In recent years, Parliament has experienced more disruptions than meaningful debates, and the recent winter session was no exception. 

• As both the ruling party and the opposition engaged in disruptive behaviors, the nation witnessed a severe decline in the dignity and function of the legislative process.

Factors Leading to the Decline of India’s Parliamentary Proceedings

1. Disruptions and Competitive Politics

• Both the Treasury and Opposition benches resort to frequent disruptions, leading to adjournments and stalling of legislative work.
• Physical altercations, such as the recent clash on the steps of Parliament, symbolize the degradation of decorum.
• Disruptions have become a convention of parliamentary practice, justified by some as a democratic right, making their containment challenging.

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2. Weak Enforcement of Rules

• Speakers often avoid strict enforcement of rules, fearing accusations of bias or partisan backlash.
• Former Speaker Somnath Chatterjee highlighted the difficulty of expelling disruptive MPs, as it is perceived as undemocratic.
• Successive Speakers have preferred adjournments over disciplinary actions, allowing a culture of disruption to persist.

3. Acrimony Between Government and Opposition

• Mutual hostility replaces the traditional civility seen in earlier eras. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee once maintained mutual respect despite ideological differences.
• Today, both sides view each other as adversaries, not collaborators, making constructive dialogue rare.
• The ruling party dismisses the Opposition as “anti-national,” while the Opposition sees itself as battling an unjust regime, deepening mistrust.

4. Decline in Parliamentary Representation and Standards

• Public expectations from MPs have shifted from effective parliamentary performance to local political influence and constituent services.
• Skilled debaters and orators of the past, like Ram Manohar Lohia and Piloo Mody, are no longer prioritized for electoral success.
• MPs focus more on disruptions and sloganeering than meaningful debates, reducing the quality of discussions.

5. Government’s Disregard for Deliberative Processes

• The government often bypasses the Opposition, steamrolling Bills without adequate debate.
• Parliament is increasingly treated as a rubber stamp for decisions rather than a forum for consultation.
• The Prime Minister’s limited presence in Parliament contrasts with leaders like Nehru, who engaged regularly.

6. Public Disinterest in Legislative Performance

• Voters rarely evaluate MPs based on their legislative contributions, diminishing incentives for quality debates.
• The focus has shifted to local issues and political loyalty, further sidelining Parliament’s role in national governance.

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Conclusion

The growing disregard for the legislature weakens the very foundation of representative democracy. When Parliament ceases to be recognized as a crucial body for governance, it undermines the legitimacy of democratic processes and fosters public disillusionment with the political system. Lawmakers, as the guardians of democracy, must take swift and decisive action to restore the integrity of the parliamentary system and ensure its vital role in shaping the nation’s future.      

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