Which of the following statements are correct regarding composition of the State Legislative Council? 

A. The maximum strength of the Council is fixed at one-third of the total strength of the Assembly.

B. The minimum strength of the Council is fixed at 40.

C. A total of \(\frac{5}{6}\) of the total number of members of a Legislative Council are indirectly elected and \(\frac{1}{6}\) members are nominated.

D. The nominations (nominated members) made by the Governor can be challenged in the court.  

The correct answer is A, B and C only.

Key Points

State Legislative Council:-

• It is​ referred to as Vidhan Parishad, is the upper house in those states of India that have a bicameral state legislature whereas the lower house is the State Legislative Assembly. 
• There are 6 states that have a State Legislative Council. These are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
• The size of the State Legislative Council cannot be more than one-third of the members of the State Legislative Assembly. But,the minimum number of members cannot be less than 40 members. (Hence A and B are correct)
• Compositions- 
  • One third of member of the council are elected by the members of local bodies such as municipalities, Gram panchayats, Panchayat samitis and district councils.
  • One third of member are elected by the members of Legislative Assembly of the State from among the persons who are not members of the State Legislative Assembly.
  • One sixth member are nominated by the Governor from the persons having knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, arts, the cooperative movement and social services.
  • One twelfth member are elected by persons who are graduates of three years' standing as residents of that state.
  • One twelfth member are elected by teachers who had at least three years of experience in teaching in educational institutions within the state not below secondary schools, including colleges and universities.