Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
3) What is parliamentary privilege? Are these parliamentary privileges defined under law? Discuss their significance. (250 words)
Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question is straightforward from the static portions of the GS paper II, from the subject of Indian polity.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss what parliamentary privileges are and their significance in the Indian polity.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define what a parliamentary privilege is; Parliamentary privilege refers to rights and immunities enjoyed by Parliament as an institution and MPs in their individual capacity, without which they cannot discharge their functions as entrusted upon them by the Constitution.
Body:
Explain the concept in detail and its relevance.
According to the Constitution, the powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament and MP’s are to be defined by Parliament. No law has so far been enacted in this respect. In the absence of any such law, it continues to be governed by British Parliamentary conventions.
Discuss its importance with recent examples where the privileges have been breached.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the importance of it.
