West Bengal Legislative Council

Legislative body in West Bengal (1952–69)

West Bengal Legislative Council

পশ্চিমবঙ্গ বিধান পরিষদ

Type
Type|

Upper house

of the West Bengal Legislature

History
Founded| 1952
Disbanded| 1 August 1969
Preceded by| Bengal Legislative Council (British India)
Succeeded by| West Bengal Legislative Assembly
Seats| 40–78 (variable)
Elections

Voting system

| Indirect election

Last election

| 1967
Meeting place
Legislative Council Chamber, Kolkata

The West Bengal Legislative Council was the upper house of the bicameral legislature in the Indian state of West Bengal, existing from 1952 to 1969. It was constituted under Article 168 of the Constitution of India to serve as a reviewing chamber for legislation passed by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.[1]

## History

[edit]

### Colonial predecessor

[edit]

The Council had a predecessor in the Bengal Legislative Council during the British colonial period, which functioned under the Government of India Act, 1935.[2]

### Formation (1952)

[edit]

Following independence, the Legislative Council was officially formed in 1952 to provide broader representation and a check on hasty legislation. Members were elected or nominated from various constituencies including local bodies, graduates, and teachers.[3]

### Abolition (1969)

[edit]

On 21 March 1969, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a resolution seeking the Council’s abolition under Article 169 of the Constitution. The Indian Parliament approved the request, and the Council was dissolved on 1 August 1969.[4]

## Composition and structure

[edit]

The Council was a permanent body not subject to dissolution, with one-third of its members retiring every two years. Its membership ranged from 40 to 78.[5]

### Categories of membership

[edit]

* One-third elected by Legislative Assembly members
* One-third elected by local authorities
* One-twelfth elected by teachers
* One-twelfth elected by graduates
* Remainder nominated by the Governor of West Bengal[1]

## Powers and limitations

[edit]

The Council had limited legislative powers. It could:

* Recommend amendments to legislation
* Delay ordinary bills for up to four months
* Debate public matters in detail

It could not:

* Introduce or amend money bills
* Permanently block any legislation[3]

## Chairmen of the Council

[edit]

Name | Term | Notes

|
|

Habib-ur-Rehman Khan | 1952–1958 | First Chairman of the Council
Syed Nurul Hasan | 1960–1964 | Later Governor of West Bengal
Bibhuti Bhusan Das | 1965–1969 | Final presiding officer before abolition

## Architecture and premises

[edit]

The Council chamber was located in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly complex in Kolkata. It featured a semi-circular design inspired by the Rajya Sabha. After the Council was dissolved, the chamber was used for other administrative purposes.[4]

## Criticism and controversy

[edit]

Critics viewed the Council as redundant and costly. It was often referred to as a "political rehabilitation chamber" for individuals who failed to win elections to the Assembly.[2]

## Revival attempts

[edit]

In July 2021, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a resolution calling for the Council's revival.[6] As of 2025, the Indian Parliament has not yet approved the proposal.

## See also

[edit]

* West Bengal Legislative Assembly
* Vidhan Parishad
* Bicameralism in India
* Rajya Sabha
* Politics of West Bengal

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Constitution of India – Articles 168 and 169. Government of India. Available at: https://legislative.gov.in/constitution-of-india
2. ^ a b Indian Political Review, Vol. XII, 1971. "The Role and Relevance of State Legislative Councils." Institute of Political Studies, New Delhi.
3. ^ a b PRS Legislative Research. "Legislative Councils in India." [1]
4. ^ a b West Bengal Legislative Assembly Debates. March 1969. Published by the Assembly Secretariat, Government of West Bengal.
5. ^ National Portal of India – "State Legislature: Composition and Functioning." [2]
6. ^ "West Bengal Assembly passes resolution to reintroduce Legislative Council." The Hindu, 6 July 2021. [3]

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