Parliamentary Disruptions and Declining Efficiency
05.12.2025
Parliamentary Disruptions and Declining Efficiency
Context
During the 2025 Winter Session, proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were stalled from the outset due to protests over electoral roll revisions and a reduced sitting schedule. The situation underscored the persistent challenge of legislative paralysis and the growing inability of Parliament to function smoothly.
About the News
Background:
Parliament, established under Article 79 of the Constitution, consists of the President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha. It is entrusted with lawmaking, budget approval, amending the Constitution, and ensuring executive accountability. Smooth functioning is essential for democratic governance.
Current Observations:
• Deliberate Disruptions: Protests, sloganeering, and entry into the Well of the House have become routine tools of political assertion.
• Reduced Productivity: The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–24) recorded the lowest working hours of any full-term Lok Sabha since independence, reflecting structural inefficiencies and recurring gridlock.
Constitutional Framework on Parliamentary Functioning
• Articles 79–122: Define the composition, powers, privileges, and procedures of Parliament.
• Articles 80 & 81: Outline the structure of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
• Article 107: Requires agreement of both Houses for passage of a Bill.
• Article 118: Grants each House authority to frame its own procedural rules.
• Articles 120–121: Govern the use of language and restrict debates on judges’ conduct.
Trends in Parliamentary Functioning
1. Decline in Working Days
Earlier decades saw 120–130 sittings annually. Recent years have witnessed a fall to 55–70 days, limiting the time available for debate, scrutiny, and accountability.
2. Weakening of Legislative Scrutiny
• Fast-Tracked Bills: Laws are frequently passed with limited debate, often amid disorder.
• Reduced Committee Examination: The share of Bills referred to standing committees has dropped from 60–70% earlier to less than 30% today.
• Question Hour Loss: Adjournments regularly wash out Question Hour, weakening oversight over the executive.
Reasons for Persistent Disruptions
1. Government Approach
• Perceived majoritarian functioning and limited pre-session consultations contribute to Opposition frustration.
• Rapid introduction and passage of Bills without adequate debate heightens tensions.
2. Opposition Strategy
• “Agitation inside Parliament” is increasingly viewed as a legitimate form of protest when grievances are unaddressed or space for debate appears restricted.
3. Structural and Behavioural Factors
• Trust Deficit: Breakdown of informal norms and conventions that earlier helped manage political differences.
• Media Incentives: Televised disruptions attract public attention, encouraging dramatic protests.
• Weak Enforcement: Presiding officers often refrain from using disciplinary powers like suspension, reducing deterrence.
Implications of Disruptions
1. Legislative Deficit
Hasty passage of Bills increases the risk of drafting errors, rights violations, or constitutional infirmities.
2. Accountability Gap
The weakening of Question Hour and debates limits the Opposition’s ability to scrutinize government actions.
3. Centralization of Power
Frequent uproar sidelines smaller and regional parties, concentrating legislative influence among dominant political groups.
4. Public Disillusionment
Repeated disorder erodes citizen confidence in parliamentary democracy and raises questions about institutional credibility.
Way Forward
1. Structural Reforms
• Minimum Sitting Requirement: A legally mandated parliamentary calendar ensuring 100–120 sittings per year.
• Opposition Days: Weekly slots reserved for Opposition-led discussions, similar to the UK House of Commons model.
2. Procedural Strengthening
• Mandatory Committee Scrutiny: Complex or rights-sensitive Bills should be automatically referred to standing committees.
• Pre-Legislative Consultation: Formal mechanisms for stakeholder engagement to minimize conflict before Bills reach the floor.
3. Code of Conduct and Enforcement
• Uniform application of penalties for entering the Well, disrupting proceedings, or violating rules.
• Clear, predictable disciplinary frameworks to deter repeated disruptions.
Conclusion
Parliamentary disruptions have become a significant obstacle to meaningful debate and executive accountability. Revitalizing legislative functioning requires a two-fold approach: guaranteeing institutional space for dissent and debate, and enforcing procedural discipline to maintain order. Restoring Parliament’s dignity and efficiency is vital to strengthening India’s democratic foundations and ensuring that legislative processes remain deliberative, transparent, and accountable.