As Parliament reconvenes, let's ask why legislature is in retreat, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Indian parliamentary system is experiencing a decline in the power balance between the legislature and the executive.
• The 17th Lok Sabha met for an average of only 55 days annually, a significant decrease from the 135 days of the first Lok Sabha (1952-1957).
• The anti-defection law, intended to prevent floor-crossing, has been distorted to suppress the individual conscience and autonomy of Members of Parliament (MPs).
• The government is allegedly curtailing the Opposition's ability to scrutinize and critique, leading to disruptions and disengagement.

Detailed Insights:

• The Westminster model emphasizes the legislature's role in overseeing the executive, but in India, the executive has become dominant.
• The anti-defection law has turned MPs into subjects of their party's whip, undermining their ability to represent their constituents.
• Scrutiny of financial demands and impeachment processes are compromised when members are compelled to vote along party lines.
• The government's dismissal of discussions and adjournment motions limits the Opposition's tools for holding the executive accountable.
• Question Hour and Zero Hour, crucial for daily accountability, are often sacrificed due to parliamentary disruptions.
• Monumental legislation is passed rapidly with minimal discussion, weakening the role of parliamentary committees.
• Constitutional offices are not immune from scrutiny, and conventions should not be broken to discipline Opposition members.
• Historically, the Westminster model was designed to subordinate the executive to the legislature, ensuring regular parliamentary sessions.
• Reversing the decline requires political will, reconsideration of the anti-defection law, and reaffirmation of government's responsibility to ensure the House functions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Legislature: A deliberative assembly with the power to make laws for a political entity.
• Executive: The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.
• Anti-Defection Law: Prevents political defections by penalizing members of parliament for voting against their party's instructions.
• Westminster Model: A democratic parliamentary system of government modeled after that of the United Kingdom.