Amid Special Session Speculation, Birla Says Only Govt Can Take Call, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that the government, not the Speaker, initiates the process for a Special Session of Parliament.
• He referenced Article 85 of the Constitution, which outlines the President's role in summoning and proroguing Parliament.
• The Speaker's comments came amidst speculation about a potential Special Session to address pending Bills.
• India is set to host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Delhi on October 26-27, with the theme 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development'.

Detailed Insights:

• The Speaker clarified that the government's parliamentary committee sends proposals for sessions to the President, who then acts on this advice.
• Article 85(2) specifically grants the President the power to prorogue the Houses or either House of Parliament.
• Prorogation formally terminates a session of Parliament, typically after it has been adjourned sine die by the presiding officer.
• The Constitution does not explicitly define a "Special Session," but such sessions are convened outside regular parliamentary sessions for specific purposes.
• The BRICS Parliamentary Forum aims to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and foster cooperation among member nations on various global challenges.
• The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will include high-level sessions on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Article 85 of the Indian Constitution: Deals with the sessions of Parliament, including summoning, prorogation, and dissolution, with the President exercising these powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
• Prorogation: The formal termination of a session of Parliament by the President, which ends the session but does not dissolve the House.
• Special Session: A parliamentary meeting convened outside the usual three annual sessions (Budget, Monsoon, Winter) to address specific urgent matters.
• BRICS Parliamentary Forum: A platform for parliamentarians from BRICS member countries to engage in dialogue, exchange best practices, and strengthen cooperation on shared objectives.