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GS Paper: Parliament & State Legislatures

  • How to deal with hate speech

    Context

    On January 12, 2022 , the Supreme Court of India agreed to hear petitions asking for legal action to be taken against the organisers of, and speakers at, the “Hardwar Dharma Sansad”.

    What constitutes hate speech

    • Hate speech is speech that targets people based on their identity, and calls for violence or discrimination against people because of their identity.
    • There is an absence of any legal or social consensus around what constitutes “hate speech.”
    • As societies around the world have long understood, the harm in hate speech is not restricted to direct and proximate calls to violence.
    • Inciting discrimination is part of hate speech: Hate speech works in more insidious ways, creating a climate that strengthens existing prejudices and entrenches already-existing discrimination.
    • This is why – with the exception of the United States of America – most societies define hate speech in terms of both inciting violence, but also, inciting discrimination.

    Challenges in dealing with hate speech

    • Legal challenge: Our laws – as they stand – are unequipped to deal with the challenges of hate speech.
    • The laws commonly invoked in such cases are section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (blasphemy) and section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (creating enmity between classes of people).
    • Hate speech will not always be self-evident: Hate speech, by its very nature, will not always trumpet itself to be hate speech.
    • Rather, it will often assume plausible deniability – as has been seen in the Hardwar case, where statements, worded with the right degree of ambiguity, are now being defended as calls to self-defence rather than calls to violence.
    • Any comprehensive understanding of hate speech is a matter of judgment, and must take into account its ambiguous and slippery nature.
    • Lack of social consensus against hate speech: No matter how precise and how definite we try to make our concept of hate speech, it will inevitably reflect individual judgment. 
    • If, therefore, social and legal norms against hate speech are to be implemented without descending into pure subjectivity, what is needed – first – is a social consensus about what kind of speech is beyond the pale.
    •  In Europe, for example, holocaust denial is an offence – and is enforced with a degree of success – precisely because there is a pre-existing social consensus about the moral abhorrence of the holocaust.

    Conclusion

    Achieving this social consensus is an immense task, and will require both consistent legal implementation over time, but also daily conversations that we, as a society need to have among ourselves.

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  • Suspension of MLA is worse than expulsion: SC

    The Supreme Court has said that suspension from the Legislative Assembly for a year is “worse” than expulsion, as it affects the Right of a constituency to remain represented in the House.

    What is the case?

    • Few MLAs from Maharashtra have challenged their one-year suspension from the Legislative Assembly for allegedly misbehaving with the presiding officer.

    Suspending MLAs: A fact check

    • Each state has their individual rules for the conduct of assembly. These rules provides for the suspension of MLAs.
    • Under Rule 53 of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rules, 1960, only the Speaker has the power to suspend MLAs indulging in unruly behavior.
    • Therefore, the motion to suspend cannot be put to vote as this would allow the Government to suspend as many Members of Opposition as it sees fit.

    Constitutional ground behind this suspension

    • The Court referred to Article 190 (4) of the Constitution which says that if for a period of 60 days, a member of a House, without its permission, is absent; the House may declare his or her seat vacant.
    • Suspension of MLAs beyond this period would lead to their disqualification.

    What did the Supreme Court observe?

    • Suspension of the MLAs would amount to punishing the constituencies as a whole.
    • Each constituency has equal amount of right to be represented in the House, observed the court.
    • The apex court observed that any state cannot create a constitutional void, a hiatus situation for any constituency.
    • It said the House cannot suspend a member beyond 59 days.

     

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  • Back in news: Central Vista Project

    The redevelopment of central vista avenue in New Delhi, where the Republic Day parade is scheduled to be held, has been delayed by a couple of days due to heavy rainfall.

    Central Vista Project

    • The project aims to renovate and redevelop 86 acres of land in Lutyens’s Delhi.
    • In this, the landmark structures of the government, including Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, North Block and South Block, etc. stand.
    • This dream project of redeveloping the nation’s administrative heart was announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs back in September 13, 2019.

    This project has three main parts:

    1. New parliament building
    2. New secretariat complex to bring all the central govt ministries in one place
    3. Development of the Rajghat and the area around it
    • This project will involve demolition of some non-heritage buildings in the area, and construction of new buildings in place of them.

    Why need this Project?

    The most significant aspect of the project is the construction of a new parliament building.  There are several reasons for needing a new building.

    • Due to increased population, which has almost quadrupled since independence, there is a need to increase the number of Lok Sabha constituencies through delimitation.
    • Similarly, the central hall of the parliament, used to hold joint sessions, actually does not have enough seats for the MPs of both houses.
    • During joint sessions, temporary chairs are placed on the aisles so that all the members can sit.
    • This is certainly not a dignified scene for the parliament of the largest democracy in the world.
    • The infrastructure of the parliament was also antiqued, as they were added at various times as and when required.

    Due to these reasons, a pressing need was felt to construct a new parliament building.

    Significance of the project

    • Modernising parliament’s facilities: The new Parliament building will be India’s first purpose-designed parliament, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to meet all needs of an expanded parliament.
    • Improving productivity and efficiency: All ministries of the government will be consolidated in one place and will be served by highly energy-efficient and sustainable infrastructure.
    • Strengthening cultural and recreational facilities: The National Museum will be relocated and conceptualized to present the rich heritage and achievements of the nation.
    • Providing modern and secure infrastructure: A modern, secure, and appropriately equipped executive enclave is proposed to house executive offices and facilities.
    • Providing residential facilities for the PM: Modern and secure residential facilities for the vice president and the PM are proposed to the north of North Block and south of South Block respectively.
    • Cultural significance: The overall objective of works planned on the Central Vista is to ensure environmental sustainability, restore the vista’s architectural character, protect its heritage buildings, expand and improve public space, and to extend its axis.

     

    Also read about the

    New Parliament Building

    Back2Basics: Making of New Delhi

    • The Central Vista was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, to house the capital of British India.
    • The top of the Raisina Hill and adjacent hills in the area was flattened to create space for the buildings.
    • At his coronation as Emperor of India on December 12, 1911, Britain’s King George V had announced the transfer of the seat of the Government from Calcutta to the ancient Capital of Delhi.
    • Thereafter, a 20-year-long project to build modern New Delhi was spearheaded by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
    • They built Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, North and South Blocks, Rajpath, India Gate, National Archives and the princes’ houses around India Gate.
    • Thus, New Delhi was unveiled in 1931.

     

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  • Conduct of States Assembly Elections

    The Election Commission of India has announced dates for Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.

    Why conduct elections even during COVID outbreak?

    • Article 172(1) of the Constitution sets a five-year term for each Assembly.
    • Any postponement of Assembly elections may result in a situation that denies people of that State the right to elect an accountable government of their choice.

    States Legislature : A detail background

    • The State Legislative Assembly is a legislative body in the states and union territories of India.
    • In the 28 states and 3 union territories with a unicameral state legislature, it is the sole legislative body and in 6 states it is the lower house of their bicameral state legislatures with the upper house being Legislative Council.
    • 5 UTs are governed directly by the Union Government of India and have no legislative body.

    Term of reference

    • Each Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is directly elected to serve 5 year terms by single-member constituencies.
    • The Constitution of India states that a State Legislative Assembly must have no less than 60 and no more than 500 members.
    • However an exception may be granted via an Act of Parliament as is the case in the states of Goa, Sikkim, Mizoram and the union territory of Puducherry which have fewer than 60 members.
    • A State Legislative Assembly may be dissolved in a state of emergency, by the Governor on request of the Chief Minister, or if a motion of no confidence is passed against the ruling majority party or coalition.

    State Executive

    • State Executive consists of Governor and the Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as its head.
    • Executive power of the state is vested in Governor.
    • He/She is appointed by the President for a term of five years and holds office during his pleasure.
    • Only Indian citizens above 35 years of age are eligible for appointment to this office.
    • The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, who also appoints other ministers on the advice of the CM.

    Powers and Functions

    State legislature has exclusive powers over subjects enumerated in the State List and Concurrent Lists (List II of the Seventh Schedule) of the Constitution and concurrent powers over those enumerated in sub List III.

    (1) Regarding Ordinary Laws

    • Ordinary bills can be introduced in either of the two houses in case the State Legislature is bicameral, however, the Money Bill has to initially be introduced in the Vidhan Sabha.
    • The State Legislature can formulate laws on the subject of State and Concurrent Lists.
    • However, in case there is any contradiction between the Union and State law, the law decided by the Parliament shall prevail.

    (2) Financial Powers

    • Financial powers of legislature include authorization of all expenditure, taxation and borrowing by the state government.
    • The Legislative Assembly alone has the power to originate money bills.
    • The Legislative Council can only make recommendations in respect of changes it considers necessary within a period of fourteen days of the receipt of money bills, which can accept or reject these recommendations.

    Role of Governor

    • The Governor of a state may reserve any Bill for the consideration of the President.
    • No Bills seeking to impose restrictions on inter-state trade can be introduced in a state legislature without the previous sanction of the President.

    Try this PYQ:

     

    Q. Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?

     

    (a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)

    (b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)

    (c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)

    (d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)

  • Confrontation between the Governors and the State governments

    Context

    Recent media reports about the confrontation between the Governors and the State governments, in Maharashtra and Kerala, have turned the spotlight on the rather delicate relationship between the constitutional head of the State and the elected government.

    Recent incidents of confrontation

    •  In Maharashtra, the Governor refused to accept the date of election of the Speaker recommended by the State government.
    • The Constitution has not assigned any role to the Governor in the election of the Speaker under Article 178, which is exclusively the job of the House.
    • The Governor’s refusal to accept the date of election of the Speaker goes against the principles of constitutional government. 
    • In Kerala, the State Governor having reappointed the Vice Chancellor of Kannur University in accordance with the law, made an allegation that he was under pressure from the Government to reappoint the Vice Chancellor.
    • In fact, he or she can accept suggestions from any person including the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
    • However, the Governor as Chancellor is not required to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers in the matter of appointment of Vice Chancellor and others in the university.
    • He can act absolutely independently.
    • Non-acceptance of the advice of the Council of Ministers too has been witnessed in Rajasthan as well as Maharashtra again.
    • The Kerala High Court has clarified this legal point in Gopalakrishnan vs Chancellor, University of Kerala.

    What explains the confrontational relationship between Governor and State Government?

    • Historical background: It has something to do with the whole idea of the office of the Governor and its past history.
    • In the colonial era, the Governor was the absolute ruler of the province.
    • While making the Constitution,  there were divergent views on the powers to be given to the Governor in the Constituent Assembly.
    • There were members in the Assembly who wanted the Governor to be as powerful as the colonial-era Governors.
    • Discretionary powers: Though B.R. Ambedkar was clear that the Governor should only be a constitutional head and the executive power should vest entirely in the elected government.
    • He promoted the idea of vesting certain discretionary powers in the Governor.
    • Why discretionary powers? In this respect he was guided by the thinking that the State governments are in subordination to the Union government and, therefore, the Governor should be given discretionary powers to ensure that they act so.
    • So, ultimately, the Governor is given certain discretionary powers prescribed by or under the Constitution unlike the President of India who has not been given any such powers.
    • Vagueness about actual powers: Further, Article 163 became a ‘blind reproduction of Section 50 of the Government of India Act 1935’ (H.V. Kamath).
    • This exact reproduction of the provision in the Act of 1935 has, to a great extent, introduced a vagueness about the actual powers of the Governor vis-à-vis the elected government.
    • This vagueness was corrected only with the Supreme Court of India stating the law in unambiguous terms in Shamsher Singh (1974).
    • From Shamsher Singh to Nabam Rebia (2016) the Supreme Court declared that the Governor can, in the exercise of executive power of the state, act only on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers “…save in a few well-known exceptional situations”.

    Consider the question “The relationship between the Governor and Chief Minister has, even at the best of times, not been absolutely simple and tension free. What are the factors responsible for confrontation? Suggest the way forward.”

    Conclusion

    The Governor is a high constitutional authority. He needs to function within the four walls of the Constitution and be a friend, philosopher and guide to his government.

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  • Suspension of MPs for entire Winter Session is worrying

    Context

    Twelve members of the Rajya Sabha were suspended for their alleged involvement in the grave disorder in the House on the last day of the previous session.

    What do Rajya Sabha’s rules of procedure say about the suspension of a member?

    • Rule 256 of Rajya Sabha’s rules of procedure provides for the suspension of a member who disregards the authority of the chair or abuses the rules of the council by persistently and willfully obstructing the business of the House.
    • Persistent and willful obstruction of the business of the House is the crux of the offence.
    • What is the maximum period of suspension? Suspension can be for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session.
    • This would mean that if the member is suspended on the last day of the session, the period of suspension will be only a day.
    • So, even if a government would like to suspend such a member for a longer period. it would not be possible under the present rule.
    • Unless the House itself revokes the suspension nothing can be done about it.
    • The decision of the House is final.
    • Every legislature has the power to suspend its members if they cause disorder and obstruct the business of the House.
    • But the rule of suspension is rarely invoked in parliaments in mature democracies.

    Whether the existing rules permit such a course of action?

    • Rule 256 says that the chairman may, if he deems it necessary, name a member who either disregards the authority of the chair or abuses the rules of the House by persistently and willfully obstructing the business of the House.
    • Sub Rule 2 of this rule is of very great importance in the context of the main question, namely, whether a member can be suspended in the next session for creating disorder in the previous session.
    • No adjournment is allowed: It clearly says no adjournment is allowed, which means the matter of suspension cannot be adjourned to a later period.
    • It needs to be decided then and there.
    • A member who abuses the rules of the House by persistently and willfully obstructing its business needs to be punished swiftly.
    • No adjournment is allowed at all.

    The powers of the House to regulate its internal matters

    • It can be said that the rule under which the members were suspended does not actually permit it.
    • Absolute power to interpret rule: The House is supreme in these matters and the chair has absolute powers to interpret the rules.
    • The judiciary has time and again clarified that the House has absolute powers to regulate its internal matters.
    • Suspension of a member is such a matter.
    • The judiciary will intervene only when a patently unconstitutional act is done by the House.

    Conclusion

    The solution to disruptions does not lie in suspension. That is the lesson we should learn from past experience.

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  • How MPs’ Questions are allowed, disallowed

    Over the last few sessions of Parliament, MPs mainly from the Opposition have often alleged that their questions have been intentionally disallowed.

    What are the categories of Questions?

    (1) Starred Question

    • The member desires an oral answer from the minister.
    • Such a question is distinguished by the MP with an asterisk.
    • The answer can also be followed by supplementary questions from members.

    (2) Unstarred Question

    • The MP seeks a written answer, which is deemed to be laid on the table of the House by the concerned minister.

    (3) Short Notice Question

    • These are on an urgent matter of public importance, and an oral answer is sought.
    • A notice of less than 10 days is prescribed as the minimum period for asking such a question.

    (4) Question to a Private Member

    • A question can be addressed to a private member under Rule 40 of Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure, or under Rule 48 of Rajya Sabha’s Rules.
    • Such question deals with a subject relating to some Bill, resolution or other matter for which that member is responsible.

    When are the questions asked?

    Ans. Question Hour

    • In both Houses, the first hour of every sitting is usually devoted to asking and answering of questions, and this is referred to as the ‘Question Hour’.
    • The total number of questions for any day is limited to 175.
    • These includes 15 questions for oral answers, questions postponed from one list to another for written answers, and 15 questions pertaining to states under President’s Rule.

    How are questions admitted?

    • In both Houses, elected members enjoy the right to seek information from various ministries and departments in the form of questions.
    • The Rajya Sabha Chairman or the Lok Sabha Speaker has the authority to decide whether a question or a part is or is not admissible under the norms of the House, and disallow any question or a part.
    • Usually, MPs’ questions form a long list, which then go through a rigorous process of clearance.
    • Once a question that fulfils the conditions of admissibility is received, the Secretariat sends it to the ministry concerned.
    • Once the facts are received from the ministry, the question is further examined for admissibility.
    • A final list of questions is circulated to ministers, on the basis of which they frame their answers.

    Answering the Questions

    • For answering the questions, ministries and departments have been divided into five groups (I to V) that have been allotted Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays respectively.
    • The grouping has been done in such a way that each minister has one fixed day in the week for answering questions in Rajya Sabha and another fixed day for answering questions in Lok Sabha.

    What kind of questions can be asked?

    (A) Rajya Sabha

    • The question shall be pointed, specific and confined to one issue only
    • It shall not bring in any name or statement not strictly necessary to make the question intelligible
    • If it contains a statement the member shall make himself responsible for the accuracy of the statement
    • It shall not contain arguments, inferences, ironical expressions, imputations, epithets or defamatory statements

    (B) Lok Sabha

    Questions that are not admitted include:

    • Those that are repetitive or have been answered previously and
    • Matters that are pending for judgment before any court of law or under consideration before a Parliamentary Committee

     

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  • How and when MPs are suspended

    Twelve Opposition members of the Rajya Sabha were suspended for the entire winter session for unprecedented acts of misconduct, unruly and violent behavior and intentional attacks on security personnel.

    Decorum of the Parliament

    • Freedom of speech is one of the most important privileges enjoyed by Members of Parliament.
    • This freedom is circumscribed, however, by the necessity of maintaining order and decorum when debate is taking place.
    • Thus discipline, decorum and dignity of Parliament are of paramount importance for the efficient functioning and success of parliamentary institutions.
    • All over the world concerns have been expressed about the decline of discipline, decorum and dignity of legislative bodies.

    Maintaining the Decorum

    • MPs are required to adhere to certain rules of parliamentary etiquette.
    • For example the Lok Sabha rulebook specifies that MPs are not to interrupt the speech of others, maintain silence and not obstruct proceedings by hissing or making running commentaries during debates.
    • Newer forms of protest led to these rules being updated in 1989.
    • Now, members should not shout slogans, display placards, tear up documents in protest, and play a cassette or a tape recorder in the House.
    • Rajya Sabha has similar rules. To conduct the proceedings smoothly, the rulebook also gives certain, similar powers to the presiding officers of both Houses.

    Power of Suspension

    • The presiding officer of each House can direct an MP to withdraw from the legislative chamber for grossly disorderly conduct.
    • The MP then has to remain absent from the proceedings of the House for the remainder of the day.
    • The presiding officers can also “name” an MP for “persistently and wilfully obstructing the business” of the House.
    • In such a case, usually, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister moves a motion for suspending the offending MP from the service of the House.
    • The suspension can last until the end of the session.

    Why are such disruptions frequent in the Parliament?

    • The reluctance and procrastination of the treasury benches to face discussions is the main cause for disorder in Parliament.
    • In most cases, disorders in the House arise out of a sense of frustration felt by members due to lack of opportunities to make his point.
    • They are perhaps easier to deal with. What is more difficult to tackle is planned parliamentary offences and deliberate disturbances for publicity or for political motives.

    Way forward

    • Debate is central to democracy, and therefore there should be more debate and fewer disruptions.
    • The majority party is responsible for governing and should take other parties into confidence.
    • The Opposition should play a constructive role in Parliament and be allowed to put forward its views and express itself in a dignified manner.
    • The presiding officers must help the Opposition in raising issues uncomfortable to the government.

     

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  • Making the legislature work

    Context

    Parliament’s “performance” is assessed at the end of a session, typically in terms of bills discussed and passed. It is equally necessary to take stock of the issues facing the country and set expectations about what Parliament should be doing when the session is to commence.

    Analysing the repeal of laws from the standpoint of the parliamentary system and the functioning of Parliament

    • In the current session, three farm Acts will probably be presented for repeal.
    • Not referred to select committee: Three Acts were passed earlier amidst demands to refer them to a select committee.
    • This Lok Sabha — increasingly the Rajya Sabha as well — poses a riddle for the theory of representative democracy.
    • The ruling majority has a handsome majority — a 300 plus representation in the Lok Sabha — and by the standards of the FPTP system, a reasonable vote share of over 37 per cent.
    • Yet, laws passed by Parliament are increasingly being seen as unacceptable.
    • This non-acceptance is, perhaps, restricted to a small section. But the arguments put forward by them remain persuasive.
    • The “majority” government seems less representative than many minority governments of the past.
    • The government may have the majority in numbers, but does not have the capacity to take the majority along.
    • At this juncture, an important responsibility lies with the Opposition.

    Suggestions

    1] Role of the opposition

    • Coordinate: In Parliament, the Opposition will need to ensure coordination on common issues, strategise on parliamentary procedures and above all, endeavour to represent voices that have been suppressed by the current regime.
    • Avoid disruption: Acrimony might be unavoidable given that the current regime doesn’t give adequate respect to differences of opinion.
    • But it is incumbent on the Opposition to avoid creating pandemonium merely as a tactic.
    • Noise and sloganeering cannot replace the responsibility to represent.
    • Pandemonium is only a cover up for bad coordination and lack of homework.

    2] Role of the ruling party MPs

    • Probe the executive: The role of ruling party MPs is not merely to ram through the House whatever the government wishes but to also probe the executive delicately.
    • Assert the role as a representative: In allowing the government to sidestep all opposition, the MPs from the ruling party create an atmosphere wherein they lose any semblance of authenticity in their role as representatives.
    • Independence of ruling party members is connected both to intra-party democracy and to intra-party factionalism.
    • Need for intellectual position: It is also important that they have an intellectual position of their own.
    • The litmus test to their independence will be in how they express themselves in Parliament.
    • In any case, for Parliament to regain its representative character, ruling party members need to be more sincere about the parliamentary system, and unafraid of executive power.

    3] Role of civil society

    • Protests have played, and will continue to play, a critical role in forcing us to confront the issue of representation.
    • It must be reiterated that no democracy can exist without a robust civil society.
    • Its tension-ridden relationship with party politics must be recognised.
    • In that sense, the rising antinomy between Parliament and protests is more because of the unrepresentativeness of Parliament than due to the rebellious ways of civil society.

    Consider the question “What is the significance of the opposition to the laws enacted by the legislature? Suggest the steps need to be taken by the various participants in democracy.”

    Conclusion

    All the participants in the democracy need to recognise their role and ensure the the smooth functioning of democracy.

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  • ‘Go back to committees’ is the farm laws lesson

    Context

    The Prime Minister has informed the nation that the Government is going to repeal the farm laws. This victory indeed takes India’s politics to a new phase — a phase of robust non-political movements with a certain staying power.

    Trajectory of the enactment of the farm laws and its shortcomings

    • Farmers not taken into confidence: These laws have a far-reaching impact on the farmers and it was very improper and quite unwise to push them through without taking the farmers into confidence.
    • Question on urgency: Under Article 123 of the Constitution the President can legislate on a matter when there is great urgency in the nature of an emergency and the sitting of Parliament is quite some time away.
    • Farm laws which make radical changes in the farm sector and affect the life of farmers in very significant ways do not have the kind of urgency which necessitates immediate legislation through the ordinances.
    • Bills not referred to committee: It is a wrong impression that Bills which are brought to replace the ordinances are not or cannot be referred to the standing committees of Parliament.
    • The Speaker/Chairman has the authority to refer any Bill except a money Bill to the standing committees.

    Significance of parliamentary committees

    • Consultation with Parliament and its time honoured system is a sobering and civilising necessity for governments howsoever powerful they may feel.
    • The accumulated wisdom of the Houses is an invaluable treasure.
    • The experience of centuries shows that scrutiny of Bills by the committees make better laws.
    • The case of the farm laws holds an important lesson for this Government or any government.
    • A proper parliamentary scrutiny of pieces of legislation is the best guarantee that sectoral interest will not jeopardise basic national interest.
    •  So, in any future legislation on farmers it is absolutely necessary to involve the systems of Parliament fully so that a balanced approach emerges.

    Way forward

    •  Available data shows that Bills are very rarely referred to the committees these days.
    • Discretion in the presiding officer: House rules have vested the discretion in the presiding officers in the matter of referring the Bills to committees.
    • No reasoned decisions of the presiding officers for not referring them are available.
    • Since detailed examination of Bills by committees result in better laws, the presiding officers may, in public interest, refer all Bills to the committees with few exceptions.
    • In the light of the horrendous experience of the Government over the farm laws, the present practice of not referring the Bills to committees should be reviewed. 

    Consider the question ” The experience of centuries shows that scrutiny of Bills by the committees make better laws. In context of this, examine the significance of the parliamentary committees and why fewer bills have been referred to the committees in the recent past?”

    Conclusion

    Speaker Om Birla has spoken about strengthening the committee system in the recent presiding officers’ conference. One way of strengthening it is by getting all the important Bills examined by them.

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