Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the parliament. The relevance and importance of Rajya Sabha in the Indian parliamentary system may be outlined in the following points:
(i) In all kinds of bills, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have equal powers. Article 108 states that deadlocks are resolved by joint meetings of the two houses.
(ii) The Rajya Sabha is not only a House of second thoughts but also a guardian of the rights of the states. Article 249 of the Constitution empowers parliament to legislate with respect to a matter in the state list if the council of states has declared by a resolution supported by not less- than two- thirds of the members present and voting.
(iii) In theory the pattern of voting on a resolution moved in the Rajya Sabha under Article 249 is supposed to reflect the broad viewpoint or consent of the state assemblies and their governments. In fact, the Rajya Sabha by its Rules of Procedure may provide for setting up of a special committee reflecting a true cross-section of the House.