Columnists

Chakshu Roy

The writer is head of outreach PRS Legislative Research.

Explained: How MPLAD scheme works, and how far its suspension will help Covid-19 fight

Wed, Apr 29, 2020

MPLAD is a central government scheme, under which MPs can recommend development programmes involving spending of Rs 5 crore every year in their respective constituencies.

Moving House Online: How crucial legislative work could continue in crisis

Tue, Apr 21, 2020

Our parliamentary rules do not require MPs to meet physically at the Parliament House. Discussions have taken place on multiple occasions for holding its session outside Delhi. The only requirement for a duly constituted sitting of a house is that it be presided over by the chairman/speaker or any authorised MP.

Explained: Why the President’s Address matters

Fri, Jan 31, 2020

President Kovind will address Parliament today. Days ago, the Kerala Governor expressed an opinion on one paragraph of his Assembly address, prepared by the government. A look at provisions and precedents.

Explained: In SC’s order on Maharashtra floor test, mention of several sordid episodes elsewhere

Wed, Nov 27, 2019

Supreme Court order on Maharashtra floor test: Here is a recap of cases from various states and the circumstances that led to the apex court’s intervention.

Explained: Supreme Court orders Maharashtra floor test tomorrow, what next?

Tue, Nov 26, 2019

The Supreme Court has ordered a floor test in the Maharashtra legislative Assembly on Wednesday. What happens after the date of the floor test is fixed? What will be the roles of the Governor, pro tem Speaker?

Explained: In Maharashtra drama, the key legal provision — anti-defection law

Sun, Nov 24, 2019

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar has said that his nephew's action is an act of indiscipline, and attracts the provisions of the anti-defection law. What is this law?

To ensure legislative scrutiny, every bill must be sent to a parliamentary committee

Sat, Jul 27, 2019

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

Thu, Jul 25, 2019

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

Tue, Jun 25, 2019

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

Wed, Jun 19, 2019

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

Sun, Jun 09, 2019

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

Fri, Feb 15, 2019

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

Thu, Jan 10, 2019

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

Tue, Nov 06, 2018

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

Wed, Aug 08, 2018

For only position elected solely by Upper House members, process is simple, contests have been rare.

The story of no-confidence

Sat, Jul 21, 2018

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

Mon, May 28, 2018

Rajya Sabha committee must look beyond the symptoms of dysfunction.

Explained: How 220 MLAs will vote for or against BS Yeddyurappa today

Sat, May 19, 2018

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

Wed, Apr 25, 2018

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.