Speaker’s directive

That the Lok Sabha Speaker should write to chairpersons of parliamentary committees, urging them not to take up those subjects for examination where the issue is pending in courts, is in itself an indication that the monsoon session of Parliament will be held under special circumstances. Though there are conflicting views on the directive being tenable, what cannot be denied is the need to maintain the sanctity of this august body and its institutions. Even in normal circumstances, sessions are held only for a specific period and it is the parliamentary committees to whom matters are referred. With their varied nature, the committees help in transacting the legislative business, probing acts of omission and commission, taking up the demand for grants of ministries, besides other matters.

Checks and balances are important in a democracy to ensure accountability. Judicial activism stems mostly from the apathy of the executive and the inertia of the legislature. In view of the exigency created by the pandemic and its long duration, the government has exercised exceptional power, seen in the use of the police force to implement the lockdown, and the slow resumption of economic activities. Parliament represents the will of the people and it can make the government accountable for its actions. A strong and constructive Opposition remains an integral part of the parliamentary system. The procedures for House panel functioning in other democracies like the US, battling the pandemic, too, can be studied. After the truncated sessions of the Punjab and Haryana Assemblies, it is important to ensure the smooth conduct of Parliament. Special arrangements are being made to ensure that the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha meet in shifts and members have been asked to get themselves tested for Covid-19.

Governance does not cease even in extraordinary circumstances. Instead, it acquires more urgency. But for it to be responsive, the need is to make the institutions strong and to respect their autonomy. As the Supreme Court recently pointed out, it cannot ask the Election Commission to defer the Bihar polls on the grounds of Covid-19 as it would amount to devaluing institutions. Parliament too needs to safeguard its traditions and practices.