Subject: Indian Polity

The Indian parliamentary system is based on the Westminster model, where the executive is responsible to the legislature, and Parliament is considered supreme in making laws and holding the government accountable. However, over the years, the growth of cabinet government in practice, executive dominance has considerably weakened the oversight role of Parliament, thereby marginalizing its supremacy.

Growing Executive Dominance

• The doctrine of collective responsibility and Anti-Defection Law has led to strict party discipline, reducing individual MP's ability to vote independently against cabinet decisions.

• Executive's control over legislative agenda through the Business Advisory Committee has resulted in limited time for private member bills (Only 14 private member bills have received assent to date).

• The Money Bill classification power of the Speaker, often influenced by the executive, bypasses meaningful Rajya Sabha scrutiny. Laws like the Aadhaar Act (2016) were passed as Money Bills, limiting Rajya Sabha’s role.

Manifestations of Parliamentary Marginalization

• Declining Parliamentary Debates: Time spent on legislative scrutiny is shrinking. In the 17th Lok Sabha, less than 15% of bills were referred to Standing Committees.

• Ordinance Route: Excessive use of ordinance-making powers under Article 123 circumvents parliamentary deliberation. For example, Farm Laws (2020).

• Committee System Dilution: Important bills often bypass standing committee scrutiny, weakening parliamentary oversight.

• Whip System: Party whips enforce voting discipline, limiting MP's ability to represent constituent interests effectively.

Impact on Democratic Functioning

• Reduced Legislative Scrutiny: Bills are passed without adequate debate or amendments, compromising legislative quality.

• Question Hour Effectiveness: Frequent disruptions and adjournments reduce government accountability.

• Budget Control: Parliament's oversight of financial matters has become more procedural than substantive.

• Opposition's Role: Diminished space for opposition to effectively challenge government policies and propose alternatives.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Department-Related Standing Committees through mandatory bill referrals.

• Implementing anti-defection law reforms to balance party discipline with legislative independence.

• Enhancing Parliament's research support through institutions like PRIDE (Parliamentary Research and Information Division).

The evolution of India's cabinet system, while ensuring administrative efficiency, must be balanced with parliamentary supremacy to uphold democratic principles. Recent reforms like the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) and Digital Sansad platforms represent steps toward strengthening parliamentary functioning and transparency.