The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through

1. Adjournment motion

2. Questions hour

3. Supplementary questions

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

The Parliament of India exercises control over the Executive (the Council of Ministers) through various parliamentary procedures and mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.

1. Adjournment Motion:
An adjournment motion is introduced in the Parliament to draw the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance. Admitting such a motion interrupts the normal business of the House and involves an element of censure against the government. Thus, it serves as a strong tool for controlling the Council of Ministers.

2. Question Hour:
The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is generally reserved for Question Hour. During this time, Members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions to ministers regarding administrative activities, policies, and government actions. Ministers are bound to answer, making Question Hour an essential device for executive oversight.

3. Supplementary Questions:
When a minister provides an oral answer to a starred question during Question Hour, members are allowed to ask supplementary questions to seek further clarification, test the minister's knowledge, and hold the executive accountable on the spot.

Since all three devices—Adjournment motion, Question hour, and Supplementary questions—are active instruments used by Parliament to monitor and control the functions of the Council of Ministers, the correct combination is 1, 2 and 3.