Why Indian Legislative Service is needed? There are many legislative bodies in India, ranging from the panchayat, block panchayat, zila parishad, municipal corporations to State legislatures and Union Parliament at the national level. To ensure competent and robust legislative institutions, there is the need to have qualified and well-trained staff to support the legislative functioning. Parliament …
Context: A Private Bill is introduced in RS to amend Preamble. What is the Issue? A Rajya Sabha member introduced a Private Member bill that seeks to replace the word “Socialist” with “Equitable” in the Preamble. The member K.J. Alphons has argued that the term “socialist” has “political connotations” and carries historical baggage that need not …
Private Member Bill to amend Preamble in Rajya Sabha – UPSC GS2 Read More »
Context: The Supreme Court revoked the one-year suspension of 12 MLAs from the Maharashtra Assembly, calling it an “irrational” act that would impact the democratic set-up. Case: The 12 Maharashtra legislators were suspended for a year for “grossly disorderly conduct” in the House during the monsoon session in 2021. The suspended MLAs filed a writ …
SC Order : Yearlong MLA Suspension is illegal – UPSC GS2 Read More »
Quote on Importance of debates in legislature (Democracy) According to Ivor Jennings, “It is not the control of the Government by the House but the fact that its dislikes are often a representation of electoral dislikes that makes debate important.” Speaker’s powers: The speaker can adjourn the house or suspend any sitting. He has the power to …
Context: 12 Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended for unruly behavior in the House. Rules for maintaining decorum of house: Rules which are to be followed in house: To not interrupt the speech of others. Maintain silence and not obstruct proceedings by hissing or making running commentaries during debates. Not to shout slogans, display placards, tear …
Context: There is an increase in number of disruptions in the house. Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that there should be a specific provision in the Rules of Business to automatically disqualify members who rush into the well of the House. He added …
Context: Frequent disruption in legislative bodies and reducing duration of sessions. Disruption is replacing discussion as the foundation of our legislative functioning. Facts: All sessions since last year have been cut short due to COVID, state elections, disruptions etc. In 2020, Parliament sat in session for 33 days only. In the 2021 Monsoon session, Lok …
How to improve legislative functioning? – UPSC GS2 Read More »
Background: Monsoon session of Parliament ended abruptly, and before its scheduled date. This is the 4th straight session that ended ahead of its original schedule, other than the cancelled winter 2020 session. This led to non-discussion of various important issues like Chinese incursion into Ladakh, Farmers issue, Covid-19 response and strategy, Pegasus controversy etc Facts about …
Context: The Supreme Court held that a legislative privilege cannot be extended to provide legal immunity to criminal acts committed by lawmakers. Background: On March 13, 2015, six members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) from LDF party in Kerala tried to interrupt the presentation of the Budget. Their action resulted in destruction or damage to …
Context: Supreme Court stated that no political party was interested in enacting legislation to decriminalize politics by prohibiting candidates against whom grave charges have been framed by the courts. About the SC ruling The bench was hearing a contempt plea seeking action against political parties which failed to declare and publicise criminal antecedents of their …