Art. 85 Part V: The Union

Sessions of Parliament, Prorogation and Dissolution

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) The President shall from time to time summon each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session. (2) The President may from time to time—(a) prorogue the Houses or either House; (b) dissolve the House of the People.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article requires Parliament to meet at least once every six months (preventing indefinite gaps between sessions, ensuring regular legislative activity), and gives the President the formal power to summon sessions, prorogue (formally end a session without dissolving the House), and dissolve the Lok Sabha — all, per Article 74, exercised on ministerial advice in practice.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why there's a hard constitutional limit on how long the government can go without convening Parliament — the maximum 6-month gap between sessions is a real, enforceable requirement, not just a convention.

Read alongside this one

Art. 83 — Duration of Houses of Parliament

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 85

What's the difference between 'prorogation' and 'dissolution'?

Prorogation formally ends a Parliamentary SESSION (with pending business generally lapsing, though the House itself continues to exist and can be reconvened); dissolution ends the Lok Sabha's entire TERM, requiring a fresh general election to constitute a new House.

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The text above reproduces Article 85 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.