Whip System in Indian Parliament

Introduction

In parliamentary terminology, a whip is a written order that party members be present for an important vote, or that they vote only in a particular way. It can also refer to a designated official authorized by a party to issue a whip.

Important Provisions of Whip

• Not in a Constitution: Neither mentioned in the Constitution nor the  Rules of the House and Parliamentary Statute. 
  • But based on the conventions of the parliamentary government. 
    • Type of Whip: There are typically three main types of whip  in parliamentary contexts, 
    • One-Line Whip: The mildest form of whip suggests to members that their attendance for voting is desired but not binding, granting MPs some leeway in their presence.
    • Two-Line Whip: A stronger directive, indicating that the party expects its members to be present for the vote. While technically not mandatory, MPs are strongly encouraged to abide by this whip.
    • Three-Line Whip: The most stringent form of a whip, a strict instruction to attend and vote in line with the party’s position. Deviating from this directive without permission may result in serious consequences, such as expulsion from the party.
• Role and Responsibilities of Parliamentary Whips: 
  • Both the ruling as well as opposition parties appoint their whips and certain duties are common to the whips of all parties.
  • Every political party has its own chief whip and whips in the Parliament (assistant floor leader) whose duties are as below,  
    • Ensuring the attendance of his party members; Securing their support in favor of or against a particular issue; 
    • Regulates and monitors their behavior in the Parliament.
    • He observes any dissatisfaction among MPs and communicates it to the relevant party leaders.
    • The members are supposed to follow the directives given by the whip. Otherwise, disciplinary action can be taken.
    • The Whips can be rightly said to be the managers of the parties within the legislatures. 
•  The Government Chief Whip: 
  • The most important duty is mapping out the time of the session, coordinating, monitoring and management of the business of the Government. 
  • Also acts as an important communication link between the leader of the House and the Members of the ruling party and also keeps in close touch with the whips of the other parties on matters concerning the business of the House as also on many other matters relating to the House as a whole.
  • The Chief whip of the government party in the Lok Sabha is the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. 
    • In the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs holds this position.
• Whips of the Opposition Parties:
  • Provide members with all important information and ensure the presence and participation of members of the respective parties in the House especially during important discussions and voting. 
  • They play an equally important role in maintaining the standard of debates at a high level in the Parliament/Legislatures. 
  • They also interact with the presiding officers and the secretariat of the concerned House on behalf of their parties and members to ensure efficient coordination vis a vis the complex requirements of parliamentary procedures, practices and conventions. 
    • Facilities for Whips: Chief Whip of a recognized party or group entitled to telephone and secretarial facilities under the Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognized Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998.
    • Recognized Party: Has not less than fifty-five members in the Lok Sabha or twenty-five members in the Rajya Sabha.
• Recognized Group: Has not less than thirty members in the Lok Sabha or fifteen members in the Rajya Sabha.
• Anti-Defection Law in India and Whip:
  • As per The Tenth Schedule of the constitution, the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer of a legislature based on a petition by any other member of the House. 
    • The law applies to both Parliament and state assemblies.
  • A legislator is deemed to have defected if he either voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or disobeys the directives of the party leadership on a vote. 
  • It implies that a legislator defying the party whip (abstaining or voting against)  on any issue can lose his membership of the House.  

Conclusion

• The whip system serves as an important organizational tool within political parties, ensuring party cohesion, discipline, and effective communication between party leadership and members. 
• It involves assigning roles to whip MPs who enforce party discipline, maintain attendance, and ensure voting alignment on key issues. 
• Overall, the whip system plays a pivotal role in maintaining party unity and facilitating effective legislative functioning within parliamentary democracies.

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