In India, the concept of parliamentary sovereignty is a cornerstone of the democratic system, but it operates within the framework of a constitutional democracy. Unlike the traditional notion of parliamentary sovereignty, where the legislature is supreme and not bound by any written constitution, India’s system is based on a balance of powers between the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary, with the Constitution of India being the supreme law of the land.

The idea of parliamentary sovereignty in India draws primarily from the British model, where Parliament is considered the ultimate authority. However, India’s parliamentary sovereignty is limited by the provisions of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution, adopted in 1950, clearly lays down the structure of governance, the separation of powers, and the fundamental rights of citizens. It establishes that the legislature, which includes the Lok Sabha (the lower house) and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house), derives its power from the people through elections. While the Indian Parliament holds the power to legislate, make laws, and govern the country, its actions are bound by constitutional limits.