An ordinance promulgated by the President;

a) Has an indefinite life

b) Is workable only if the Lok Sabha is Dissolved

c) Must be laid before Parliament when it reassembles

d) Is a parallel power of legislation available to the President even when Parliament is in session

Ans-[C]

Explanation-Article 123 of the Constitution grants the President certain law making powers to promulgate Ordinances when either of the two Houses of Parliament is not in session and hence it is not possible to enact laws in the Parliament.

An Ordinance may relate to any subject that the Parliament has the power to legislate on. Conversely, it has the same limitations as the Parliament to legislate, given the distribution of powers between the Union, State and Concurrent Lists. Thus, the following limitations exist with regard to the Ordinance making power of the executive:

1. Legislature is not in session: The President can only promulgate an Ordinance when either of the two Houses of Parliament is not in session.

2. Immediate action is required: The President cannot promulgate an Ordinance unless he is satisfied that there are circumstances that require taking ‘immediate action.

3. Parliamentary approval during session: Ordinances must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of reassembling or they shall cease to operate.  They will also cease to operate in case resolutions disapproving the Ordinance are passed by both the Houses.