Ranbir Singh Pathania
The Monsoon Session of Indian Parliament (July 21 – August 12, 2025) ended amid deep political reflections. Despite 21 scheduled sittings, both Houses lost nearly two-thirds of their time to disruptions (30 % productivity). LokSabha functioned merely 29-31% of the scheduled hours, and RajyaSabha fared just slightly better at 34-38.9% productivity .
Prime Minister,Modi, at a ceremonial gathering on the close of the Session, expressed deep disappointment at the absence of healthy parliamentary debate, noting that young MPs were unable to participate meaningfully due to persistent disruptions. This sets ball rolling for a larger debate.
In J & K, it was really a piquant situation. Ruling NC-Congress members stalled last three days of Budget Session – 2025. Picketing, protesting against their own Speaker and against the Wakf Amendment Bill, passed by Central Government. Ultimately, the House was adjourned sine die.
Are we a ‘Theatre of Absurd or a ‘Temple of Democracy”.
Lord Denning, known legal scholar and while sitting in the House of Lords once observed, “Those who create disorder cannot claim wages from the disorder .”. This quote underscores the irreplaceable value of parliamentary order and civility. Democracy demands space for discourse, not just for spectacle.
Independent MP from Daman, Diu, Umesh Bhai, Patel has also trailed the blaze while advocating, ‘No work no pay for MPs’. He goes to the extent of seeking action against ‘delinquent MPs and blames treasury as well as opposition Benches equally.
Benchmarking Legislative Standards: –
In contrast to England, where Parliament convenes for over 100 days annually, India’s legislative calendar continues to fall short of the recommendation made in the All India Speaker’s Conference – all legislative bodies-Parliament and State Assemblies-should meet at least 100 days a year. This benchmark remains unmet year after year, reflecting a systemic lacuna in legislative engagement.
Whips, Disruptions, and Dilution of Lawmaking
While being a member of J & K assembly, I had introduced a bill advocating the prohibition of party whips in non-money bills, aiming to enhance individual autonomy. Because the object of individual ‘application of mind’ ‘research’ ‘legislative intent’ had been reduced to ‘whips’ by legislature groups. Yet, lawmakers today struggle even to legislate amidst a constant barrage of disruptions, adjournments, and attention-seeking theatrics.
Executive Encroachment: –
There is a growing trend of executive orders bypassing parliamentary scrutiny. Circulars and administrative diktats increasingly usurp legislative prerogatives, eroding parliamentary sovereignty and undermining democratic checks and balances.
Regarding The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, pivoting around widespread family ruin, financial fraud, and alleged terror financing, the bill was passed within seven minutes by a voice vote-without a single substantive discussion.
Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was the flashpoint. Nonetheless, as per Parliamentary Rules of Procedure, no discussion can be taken up on a matter which is sub judice before any Court of law. Moreso, when Supreme Court ruled almost decisively regarding deletion of 65 lakh votes in Bihar, scope left was least. Yet, instead of steering discussions elsewhere, Parliament descended into chaos.
Crossing the Rubicon
If Parliament cannot transcend petty politics and evolve into a space where national discussions override factionalism, we risk crossing the Rubicon-a point of no return. Once that is crossed, restoring democratic function becomes a steep uphill task.
Beyond Legislative Output: Evaluating Democracy
Passing bills alone doesnot guarantee a robust democracy. The essence lies in deliberation, debate, and keeping the executive accountable. The Constitution envisages Parliament as the sovereign people’s voice-not a venue for performance or silent acquiescence.
Karnataka Assembly: A Lesson in Discipline
In Karnataka Assembly, salaries of delinquent MLAs were stopped, and even the High Court upheld this decision-offering a stark example of disciplinary accountability.
Under Rules 373 and 374 of the LokSabha Rules of Procedure, the Speaker has the authority to:
Rule 373: Direct a member to withdraw for disorderly conduct
Rule 374: Name a member for persistent obstruction, leading to suspension for the remainder of the session
The Supreme Court has also affirmed that privileges cannot shield vandalism, making it lawful for Parliament to punish misconduct firmly.
Historic ExpulsionIn The Past: Upholding Parliamentary Integrity
Several MPs have faced permanent expulsion for misconduct:
H. D. Mudgal (1951) – Cash-for-query scandal
SubramaniamSwamy (1976) – Seditious remarks abroad
Indira Gandhi (1978) – Breach of privilege and contempt
Vijay Mallya&Chhatrapal Singh Lodha – Corruption-related expulsions
2005 – Eleven MPs expelled over televised cash-for-questions scandal
Under Article 122 of the Constitution, courts cannot question parliamentary proceedings-including expulsions-rendering such actions immune from judicial challenge .
Conclusion: Reclaiming Parliamentary Dignity
India is not a realm where rulers are deified-the ethos embedded in our epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, embrace Dharma and the rule of law. We must live up to our civilizational values by reviving the decorum and purpose of our Parliament.
Let us bridge adversarialism with dignity, posturing with responsibility. The ultimate barometer of a healthy, vibrant democracy is not the number of Bills passed or businesses pushed through, but the quality and seriousness of deliberations and ability of House to hold the executive accountable.
Parliament should rise above partisan politics and assert its space as sovereign voice of the people, act and assert itself as ‘Temple of Democracy’.
(The columnist practices law at the J & K, High Court of Judicature, and is member of J & K Legislative Assembly)
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