Chakshu Roy
The writer is head of outreach PRS Legislative Research.
Articles By Chakshu Roy
To ensure legislative scrutiny, every bill must be sent to a parliamentary committee
A robust lawmaking process requires thorough scrutiny by Parliament. Such scrutiny should not be impacted by either the strength of numbers in Parliament or political agreement on issues.
Explained: The limits of anti-defection
The prolonged political crisis in Karnataka has demonstrated the ways in which the nearly 35-year-old anti-defection law can be used and abused. Here’s how the law was enacted, and how it has performed.
Parliament voting: Ayes vs noes, and road from manual to electronic recording
Voice voting is the preferred method of decision making by Indian Parliament. MPs in favour of a decision call out “Ayes” and those opposed say “Noes”.
Speakers must rise above party loyalties, with Constitution as their guiding light
With no security in the continuity of office, the Speaker is dependent on his or her political party for reelection. This makes the Speaker susceptible to pulls and pressures from her/his political party in the conduct of the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
History headline: A House for MPs
For almost a century, Parliament has been an observer of the people who have shaped our country. But it was not part of the original plan for the Capital city
A referee less partisan
Blame for politicisation of the Speaker’s office lies with the anti-defection law.
Parliamentary disruption has become the norm, this Lok Sabha mirrors the decline
In the last decade, MPs have raised slogans, snatched papers from ministers and used pepper spray in the House.
‘Private’ efforts at legislation: How they are made, how often they succeed
How are private member’s Bills introduced and discussed? What chance does such a Bill have of becoming law?
How Rajya Sabha elects Deputy Chairperson
For only position elected solely by Upper House members, process is simple, contests have been rare.
The story of no-confidence
After 15 years, Lok Sabha will debate a motion of no-confidence today. What is this Parliamentary test? Which earlier Prime Ministers have faced this motion, and how did they fare in those tests?
Rules for the Elders
Rajya Sabha committee must look beyond the symptoms of dysfunction.
Explained: How 220 MLAs will vote for or against BS Yeddyurappa today
The Indian Express explain rules for floor test, and selection and role of pro tem Speaker
How the current impeachment law for removal of judges was shaped
Lok Sabha’s attempt to lay down the procedure for removal of a judge in 1964 did not bear fruit as it was dissolved following the completion of its term. An impeachment law was finally enacted in 1968.
Parliament in 2017: A mixed year in the two Houses
Parliament in 2017 was marked by disruptions, delays and comparatively less discussion on national issues — but also, the passing of key Bills.
An Oversight Problem
For now, Parliament is ill-equipped to oversee economic issues in an integrated way
When Parliament meets
The Constitution that came into force in 1950 required Parliament to be summoned twice in a year, with a gap of no more than six months between its sessions.
Monsoon Session ends today; only 9 Bills out of 25 passed by Houses
Disruptions reduced the time for deliberations; Session had its share of controversies as well. Lok Sabha worked for approximately 70% of its scheduled time, and Rajya Sabha for about 73%.
A House For Mr Naidu
Perhaps the biggest challenge for the new vice president will be to assume a non-partisan role while managing the functioning of the House. The new VP will need to have the confidence of MPs on both sides of the aisle. He will have to play the arbiter between political parties and set the benchmark for non-partisan conduct.
A Great Figurehead
Let us hope that India’s new President, like others before, will rise to the office
Lost in implementation
Overhaul rulemaking process to prevent government bypassing the will of Parliament