Britain’s House of Lords – Issues, Reforms, and Comparison with Rajya Sabha

●     Life Peers: Life peers are appointed by the Monarch, usually on the advice of the Prime Minister or an independent appointments commission.

○     They hold membership for life but cannot pass their title to descendants.

○     This category forms the largest segment of the chamber and includes individuals with experience in politics, academia, law, public service, and other fields.

●     Hereditary Peers: Historically, membership was dominated by hereditary aristocrats. Following reforms, only a limited number remain.

○     These members are internally elected by hereditary peers themselves when vacancies arise, significantly reducing hereditary influence while retaining a symbolic continuity with tradition.

●     Lords Spiritual: This group consists of senior bishops of the Church of England.

○     Their presence reflects the historical link between the British state and the established church, giving the chamber a unique religious representation not commonly found in modern legislatures.

●     Absence of fixed tenure: Life peers remain members permanently, contributing to institutional continuity but also to concerns about accountability.

●     No territorial representation: Unlike federal upper houses, it does not represent regions or states.

●     Primarily a revising chamber: Its central function is to examine legislation in detail and suggest improvements rather than determine final outcomes.

○     It proposes amendments, engages in expert debates, and often improves legislative clarity through clause-by-clause review.

●     Power to Delay Legislation: The House of Lords may postpone the passage of ordinary (non-money) bills for a limited duration, typically up to one year.

○     However, it cannot permanently veto legislation approved by the elected chamber, ensuring the supremacy of democratic representation.

●     Limited Role in Financial Legislation: With respect to Money Bills, its authority is significantly constrained.

○     It cannot amend or reject such bills and may only delay their passage briefly, thereby preserving financial control with the elected House of Commons.

●     Historical Judicial Function: Until 2009, the House of Lords served as the highest court of appeal in the United Kingdom.

○     This function was transferred to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom following constitutional reforms under the Constitutional Reform framework of 2005, reinforcing the separation of powers.

●     Large Membership Size: It is one of the largest legislative bodies globally. The absence of a fixed cap on membership has raised concerns about efficiency, cost, and institutional effectiveness.

●     Perceptions of Political Patronage: Appointments are sometimes viewed as political rewards for loyalty or service, generating debates about transparency and fairness in selection.

●     Lack of Federal Representation: Unlike upper houses in federal systems—such as the Rajya Sabha representing Indian states—the House of Lords does not provide institutional representation to territorial units, limiting its federal character.