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Introduction

India adopted a parliamentary form of government, prioritizing accountability over stability, as enshrined in Part V (Articles 79-122) for Parliament and Part VI (Articles 168-212) for State Legislatures of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court has declared it part of the basic structure of the Constitution. However, its functioning has been criticized due to various operational inefficiencies and challenges.

Declining Effectiveness of Parliament and State Legislatures

  1. Frequent Disruptions: The Monsoon 2024 session faced repeated adjournments, stalling critical legislative work.
  2. Lack of Debate: The Farm Laws Repeal Bill (2021) was passed with insufficient discussion, bypassing thorough scrutiny.
  3. Weak Committees: The Standing Committee on Home Affairs inadequately reviewed the Citizenship Amendment Act (2019), triggering widespread protests.
  4. Anti-Defection Law (ADL): The ADL has reduced MPs to party puppets, limiting independent decision-making.
  5. Politicization: Opposition walkouts, as seen during the Goods and Services Tax Amendment (2024), hindered constructive debates.
  6. Under-representation: Only 14.4% of MPs elected in 2019 were women, reflecting poor gender equality in Parliament.
  7. Non-fulfillment of Quorum: Quorum issues in the 2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly delayed key discussions.
  8. Executive Dominance: The Farm Laws Ordinance (2020) was introduced without parliamentary approval, showcasing executive overreach.
  9. Overloaded Agendas: Bills like the National Education Policy (2020) were rushed through the 2024 budget session without adequate scrutiny.
  10. Criminalization of Politics: In the 2024 general elections, 29% of elected MPs faced criminal cases, raising concerns about legislative integrity.
  11. Ordinance: Frequent ordinances undermine the legislature’s role and the authority of people’s representatives.

Conclusion

The parliamentary system, though a cornerstone of India’s democracy, faces significant challenges that erode its effectiveness. Addressing disruptions, enhancing debate, strengthening committees, and curbing executive overreach are essential to restore the integrity and functionality of Parliament and State Legislatures.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish August 28, 2025