📜 Article 208 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Rules of procedure
🔹 Text Summary:
Article 208 gives State Legislatures the authority to make their own rules regarding the conduct of business and procedures for their functioning, similar to how Parliament does under Article 118.
📌 Clause-wise Breakdown:
| Clause | Provision |
|---|---|
| (1) | Each House of the Legislature of a State may make rules for: |
| — regulating its procedure | |
| — conduct of its business | |
| 👉 Subject to the provisions of the Constitution. | |
| (2) | Until rules are made under clause (1), the rules of procedure in force immediately before the commencement of the Constitution shall continue to apply, with necessary modifications. |
| (3) | The Governor may, after consulting the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council (as applicable), make rules for regulating the procedure in joint sittings of both Houses (if the state is bicameral). |
🧠 Key Takeaways:
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Gives autonomy to State Legislatures to run their internal proceedings.
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Ensures order and discipline in legislative functioning.
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The Governor’s power to make rules is limited to joint sittings, and only after consultation.
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State Assemblies can amend, repeal, or adopt new rules from time to time.
🏛️ Example:
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The Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha frames its own rules for Question Hour, Calling Attention Motions, etc., under Article 208.
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If a new Legislative Council is created or re-established, initial rules follow old laws with needed changes until the House makes new ones.
⚖️ Related Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 208 | Procedure rules in State Legislature |
| 118 | Rules of procedure in Parliament |
| 178–187 | Officers and privileges in State Legislature |
| 212 | Courts not to inquire into legislative procedure |
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