In the aftermath of a significant security breach at the Indian Parliament on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack, seven personnel were suspended by the Lok Sabha secretariat, according to a report by ANI news agency on Thursday (Dec 14). Those suspended included individuals named Rampal, Arvind, Vir Das, Ganesh, Anil, Pradeep, Vimitt, and Narendra.
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Simultaneously, opposition parties convened a closed-door meeting to address the security breach issue in both houses of Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held discussions with top ministers to deliberate on the matter. However, the Rajya Sabha, the upper house, experienced tension during the first hour of the session on Thursday morning.
Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) sought a discussion on the incident and questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s presence in the House. Despite these demands, Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar promptly rejected them, leading to a vocal protest from other opposition parties.
In response, Dhankhar named Derek O’Brien and instructed him to leave the House immediately. Dhankhar condemned O’Brien for “disorderly conduct” and stated, “Derek O’Brien is named to leave the House immediately… Derek O’Brien says he will defy the Chair… Derek O’Brien says he will not respect the rules. This is a serious misconduct. This is a shameful incident.”
Assuring MPs, Dhankhar mentioned that a high-level investigation into the security breach had been initiated, and a police case had been filed. Subsequently, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned. Similar scenes unfolded in the Lok Sabha as opposition MPs demanded the resignation of Amit Shah over the incident.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed the issue in Parliament, expressing the government’s commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly. Singh remarked, “The incident is quite unfortunate. All MPs, both from the ruling party and opposition, must ensure that passes should not be given to those who can create an anarchic situation in the House.” He also criticized the opposition for their “behavior” in the House.
The Indian Parliament System: A Comprehensive Overview
The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the world’s largest democracy, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Established under the Constitution of India, the Parliament is bicameral in nature, consisting of two houses — the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). This article provides a detailed examination of the Indian Parliament system, exploring its structure, functions, and significance in the democratic governance of India.
Structure of the Indian Parliament:
- Lok Sabha (House of the People): The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament, representing the people of India. Members of the Lok Sabha, known as Members of Parliament (MPs), are elected by the public through direct elections. The total number of seats in the Lok Sabha is 545, with 543 members directly elected from constituencies across the country, and two members nominated by the President of India to represent the Anglo-Indian community.
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States): The Rajya Sabha is the upper house and represents the states and union territories of India. Members of the Rajya Sabha, called Rajya Sabha members, are not directly elected by the public but are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the Electoral college for Union Territories. The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are representatives of states and union territories, and 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in various fields.
Functions of the Indian Parliament:
- Legislative Functions: The primary function of the Parliament is to enact laws. Both houses participate in the legislative process, with proposed laws, known as bills, going through multiple stages of discussion, scrutiny, and voting. Once approved by both houses, a bill is sent to the President for assent, after which it becomes law.
- Financial Control: The Parliament has the authority to control public finances. It reviews and approves the annual budget presented by the government, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters.
- Executive Oversight: Parliament exercises oversight over the executive branch of the government, scrutinizing its policies and actions through debates, discussions, and parliamentary committees. Members of Parliament can question the government and hold it accountable for its decisions.
- Representation: The Parliament serves as a platform for representing the diverse voices and interests of the Indian population. Members engage in debates, discussions, and negotiations to address the concerns of their constituents.
Significance of the Indian Parliament:
- Democratic Governance: The Indian Parliament is the cornerstone of the country’s democratic governance. Through regular elections, citizens participate in the selection of their representatives, ensuring a government that is accountable to the people.
- Pluralistic Representation: The Parliament reflects India’s rich diversity by providing a platform for representatives from different states, communities, and backgrounds to contribute to the decision-making process.
- Constitutional Guardian: The Parliament acts as the guardian of the Constitution, upholding the principles and values enshrined in this foundational document. It has the power to amend the Constitution but within the established legal framework.
Conclusion:
The Indian Parliament system stands as a testament to the democratic principles that form the bedrock of the nation. Its intricate structure, diverse representation, and multifaceted functions ensure that the voices of the people are heard, policies are debated, and the nation progresses on the path of inclusive and participatory governance. The continuous evolution of the Indian Parliament reflects the commitment of the nation to democratic ideals and the pursuit of a just and equitable society.
