Explanation: In the context of Indian governance, the constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it establishes the framework for the functioning of the government. The constitution outlines the structure of the government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and it defines the powers and limitations of each branch.
The parliament, as the legislative body, derives its authority and powers from the constitution. The constitution specifies the composition of the parliament, the method of its formation, and the powers it possesses. For example, the constitution outlines the process for the election of members of parliament, the procedure for passing laws, and the limitations on the powers of the parliament.
The authority of the constitution is higher than that of the parliament because the parliament's existence and powers are derived from the constitution. The constitution is the supreme law that governs the structure and functioning of the government, and it cannot be overridden by the parliament. Any law passed by the parliament must be in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. If a law passed by the parliament is found to be in violation of the constitution, it can be struck down by the judiciary.
The constitution also provides for a procedure for its amendment, which requires a special majority in both houses of parliament and, in some cases, ratification by a certain number of state legislatures. This procedure ensures that the constitution can be amended only through a consensus and not by a simple majority in the parliament.
In conclusion, the authority of the constitution is higher than that of the parliament because the constitution is the supreme law that defines the structure and powers of the government, including the parliament. The parliament's existence and powers are derived from the constitution, and any law passed by the parliament must be in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.