Parliamentary Debates – Issues and Concerns

Table of Contents

Context: Recently, a total of 92 Opposition MPs were suspended for disrupting Parliamentary proceedings while protesting for a recent Parliament security breach.

Parliamentary Discussion: An Overview

Parliamentary debates in India serve as a cornerstone of a vibrant democracy, providing a platform for parliamentary scrutiny of executive decisions.
These debates are essential for ensuring that democracy functions effectively, as they involve discussions and deliberations over diverse perspectives and issues facing the country.

Significance of Parliamentary Debates

Improving Decision Quality: Parliamentary debates contribute to the quality of democratic decisions by involving deliberations over various viewpoints, leading to the selection of the most widely accepted views.
Raising Public Interest Issues: They allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents and speak about issues brought to their attention by the public.
Reducing Burden on Courts: Debates help courts comprehend the intent and object of laws more clearly, reducing the courts’ burden in interpreting or implementing these laws.
Accountability: Through debates, the Opposition holds the government accountable, forcing ministers to respond to criticisms and questions.
Enhancing Legislative Process: Parliamentary debates are integral to making laws in India. The process allows for robust discussion and dissent, providing opportunities for MPs to represent diverse interests and scrutinise government operations.

Challenges/Issues Related to Parliamentary Debate

Frequent Disruptions in Parliament: Frequent disruptions during parliamentary sessions, which significantly hinder legislative work and reduce overall productivity.
- Example: The MPs in both Houses were suspended for disrupting Parliamentary proceedings while protesting for a recent Parliament security breach.
Underutilization of Parliamentary Committees: A decline in the referral of bills to these committees has been observed, diminishing thorough scrutiny and discussion of legislative proposals.
- Example: The percentage of bills referred to Departmentally Related Standing Committees fell from 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha to just 11% in the 17th Lok Sabha.
Government Backing Away from Debating Controversial Issues: Political strategies often lead to the government avoiding debate on contentious issues. This was evident in the approach towards discussions on various bills and policies, where the government has been accused of avoiding substantial debates.

Way Forward

Need for Debates and Deliberations: In a democracy, elected legislators debate and discuss issues of public import and seek solutions to issues that affect citizens.
- There is a need for healthy debates, the utilisation of parliamentary and standing committees to delve into the issue, and for Bills and legislation to be discussed before any consideration.
Enhanced Role of Parliamentary Committees: Strengthening the system of Department-related Standing Committees, introduced in 1993, can ensure effective scrutiny of legislation and policies. This involves referring more bills to these committees for detailed examination.
Need for a Powerful Opposition: To check the power of the ruling party and for mature democracy, an effective Opposition is desirable.