How long can a Presidential ordinance remain in force?

RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Mumbai-2015

Explanation

Under Article 123 of the Constitution, the President can issue an ordinance when Parliament is not in session.
This ordinance must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of its reassembly, otherwise it lapses.
The maximum time gap allowed between two sessions of Parliament is six months.
Therefore, the maximum possible life of an ordinance is six months (parliamentary recess) plus six weeks (post-reassembly approval period).
Among the given choices, 'Six months' is the most appropriate answer as it represents the primary component of this duration.

Option A: The maximum life of an ordinance is six months and six weeks, not one year.
Option B: The period for parliamentary approval after reassembly is six weeks (approximately 1.5 months), not two months.
Option C: While the President can revoke an ordinance at any time, it has a fixed constitutional lifespan and will automatically lapse if not approved by Parliament within the stipulated time.

Visual 1: Flowchart - Lifecycle of a Presidential Ordinance. This can show the process from promulgation by the President, its presentation to Parliament upon reassembly, and the two possible outcomes: approval into an Act or lapse after six weeks.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The duration and validity of a Presidential Ordinance under the Indian Constitution as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Civic Awareness: Understanding the ordinance-making power is crucial for comprehending the legislative functions of the executive branch in India, especially during emergencies or when Parliament is not in session.
Separation of Powers: This topic highlights the checks and balances in the Indian political system, as an ordinance is a temporary measure that is subject to legislative approval, preventing the executive from bypassing the legislature indefinitely.
Relevance for Exams: This is a fundamental and frequently asked topic in the Indian Polity section of various competitive examinations, including those for civil services and other government posts.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'Presidential ordinance' and its duration.
Recall the specific provisions of the Indian Constitution related to ordinances, primarily Article 123.
Remember the two critical time limits involved: the maximum gap between parliamentary sessions (6 months) and the period for approval after reassembly (6 weeks).
Combine these two periods to determine the absolute maximum life of an ordinance (6 months + 6 weeks).
Evaluate the given options against this constitutional fact. 'Six months' is the closest and most significant part of this duration, making it the best choice.
Eliminate other options based on the constitutional provisions. An ordinance does not last for a year, and its life is not solely dependent on the President's will to revoke it.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The duration and validity of a Presidential Ordinance under the Indian Constitution.
Stem keywords: Presidential ordinance, remain in force, how long
Lead-in keywords: How long

QVpywRiLGi3EnZnk0MSi_F