Resolutions in the Indian Parliament: Types, Process, and Significance

Introduction

Resolutions refer to formal proposals or statements made by Members of Parliament on various issues of national importance. These resolutions can pertain to policy matters, legislative changes, or expressions of opinion on particular subjects. Resolutions can be introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha and they undergo a process of debate and voting. Resolutions can have significant implications for shaping the legislative agenda and guiding government policy.

Overview of Resolutions in the Parliament of India

• Role of Motions and Resolutions: Most of the business in Parliament is transacted by means of motions. 
  • Putting Question: Following the discussion of a matter, the motion is submitted to the House for voting which is known as the putting questions
  • Transformation of Motion: The outcome determined by putting the question transforms the motion into a resolution of order. 
  • Once agreed upon, every question becomes an order or of a resolution of the House. 
  • The House declares its own opinions and purposes by its resolutions, 
• Definition of Resolution: A resolution is a self-contained independent proposal submitted for the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to be capable of expressing a decision of the House.
• Forms of Resolution: Types of resolutions in Parliament can take various forms. 
  • It may express the opinion of the House on a particular matter, 
  • Show concern about a situation, 
  • Call for alternative policy
  • Recommend legislation or constitutional amendments, or draw attention to urgent public issues. 
  • Can make appeals to the international community on certain subjects.
• Purpose of Members’ Resolutions: Members move resolutions to draw the attention of the House or the government to matters of general public interest.
• Differentiating Motions and Resolutions: All resolutions come in the category of substantive motions whereas all motions need not necessarily be substantive. 
  • So, all motions are not necessarily put to vote of the House, whereas all the resolutions are required to be voted upon.
• Conditions of admissibility: So that a resolution may be admissible, it should 
  • Clearly and precisely expressed.
  • substantially one definite issue has been raised
  • It should not contain arguments, inferences, ironical expressions, imputations, or defamatory statements.
  • Not related to the conduct or character of persons except in their official or public capacity;
  • It should not be any matter which is under adjudication by a court of law.
• Determining the Admissibility of Resolutions: The Speaker/Chairman decides whether a resolution is or is not admissible under the rules.
  • They may disallow a resolution when in his opinion it does not comply with the rules.
• Role of Business Advisory Committee: Recommends the time that should be allocated for the discussion of private members’ resolutions.
• Types of Resolutions: There are three types of resolution
  • Private Member’s Resolution: Moved by Private members and discussed on alternate Fridays only in afternoon sitting.
    • Notice Requirement: A private member (Other than a Minister) who wishes to move a resolution on a day allotted for private members’ resolutions has to give a notice to that effect at least two days before the date of the draw of the lot.
    • Alternative Allocation: The Chairman can allocate two and a half hours on another weekday for private members’ resolutions if the House doesn’t sit on a Friday.
  • Government Resolution: Moved by a minister. 
    • No Separate Rules: Regulating the procedure for Government resolutions. 
    • Government resolutions can be taken up on any day allotted for Government business. 
    • Barring these special features, Government resolutions are generally subject to the same rules as the private members’ resolutions.
    • A Government resolution takes precedence over a motion moved by a member.
  • Statutory Resolution: It can be moved by private members as well as ministers. 
    • It is so called because it is in pursuance of a provision in the Constitution or an Act of Parliament.
    • The laws themselves specify whether a specific action should be taken using a motion or a resolution.
    • If it is required to be taken by a motion, then it is a statutory motion; if the statute provides for the moving of a resolution for a particular matter, it is termed a statutory resolution. 
• Withdrawal of Resolutions: A member who has moved a resolution or amendment to a resolution cannot withdraw it without the Permission of house.
  • Leave of the House: is signified by the Speaker/Chairman taking the pleasure of the House. 
  • If there are no objections, leave is granted; however, if any dissenting voice is raised, the Speaker/Chairman proceeds to put the resolution to the House for decision.

Conclusion

• Resolutions play a pivotal role in the functioning of the Parliament of India, providing a mechanism for Members to express opinions, advocate for change, and address pressing issues of public interest. 
• Through resolutions, the House asserts its views and influences policy direction, making them an essential tool in the legislative process.

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