No confidence is no answer. But onus is on Speaker to earn trust of MPs, especially in Opposition

Context & The Gist

The article addresses the recent notice of a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla by Opposition MPs. This action arises from concerns regarding the Speaker’s conduct, including restrictions on debate, perceived bias in applying parliamentary rules, and handling of sensitive issues like the Prime Minister’s attendance in the House. The central argument is that while the Speaker’s actions warrant criticism, a no-confidence motion is not a productive response. Instead, the onus lies on the Speaker to regain the trust of the Opposition and uphold parliamentary norms.

Key Arguments & Nuances

• The no-confidence motion is a rarely used instrument, having failed in all previous attempts to remove a Speaker in post-Independence India.
• The Opposition’s grievances are legitimate, citing instances where Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was prevented from completing his speech and rules were selectively applied.
• The article highlights a pattern of perceived bias, with the Speaker seemingly more lenient towards ruling party MPs.
• A no-confidence motion, while signaling strong disapproval, is unlikely to succeed given the ruling party’s numerical strength and can hinder parliamentary proceedings.
• The Opposition needs to adopt a more strategic approach, utilizing parliamentary space effectively and coordinating with allies.
• The Speaker has a responsibility to earn the confidence of the Opposition, regardless of the motion.

UPSC Syllabus Relevance

• Polity: Parliamentary Procedures, Functions of the Speaker, No-Confidence Motion.
• Governance: Issues related to the functioning of Parliament, accountability of public officials.
• Current Affairs: Recent developments in parliamentary proceedings and political dynamics.

Prelims Data Bank

• Speaker of Lok Sabha: The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha. Article 93 of the Constitution deals with the office of the Speaker.
• No-Confidence Motion: A motion expressing disapproval of the government or a specific minister. In this case, it's against the Speaker.
• Rajya Sabha Precedents: No-confidence motions were recently moved in the Rajya Sabha against Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, but both were rejected.
• Parliamentary Rules: Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha govern the functioning of the House.

Mains Critical Analysis

The article raises crucial questions about the health of India’s parliamentary democracy. The core issue is the erosion of trust between the ruling party and the Opposition, manifesting in frequent disruptions and accusations of bias. This situation has several implications:

Political Implications

The increasing polarization and lack of constructive dialogue can lead to legislative paralysis, hindering the government’s ability to pass important bills. It also undermines public faith in democratic institutions.

Governance Implications

A dysfunctional Parliament weakens accountability mechanisms, allowing the executive to operate with less scrutiny. This can lead to arbitrary decision-making and a decline in the quality of governance.

Constitutional Implications

The Speaker’s role is crucial in upholding the Constitution and ensuring fair proceedings. Perceived bias or unfair application of rules can erode the Speaker’s authority and undermine the principles of parliamentary democracy.

A critical gap lies in the lack of a robust mechanism for resolving disputes over parliamentary procedures and ensuring impartiality. While the rules exist, their interpretation and application often become points of contention. The article correctly points out that walking out or name-calling are not substitutes for strategy. The Opposition needs to find ways to effectively utilize parliamentary space and present a united front, while the Speaker must prioritize fairness and inclusivity to regain the trust of all members.

Value Addition

• Rajendra Prasad (First Speaker): Rajendra Prasad, the first Speaker of Lok Sabha, set a precedent for impartiality and fairness in parliamentary proceedings.
• SC Judgments on Parliamentary Privileges: The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the importance of parliamentary privileges, but also emphasized the need for responsible exercise of those privileges.
• Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU): The IPU promotes cooperation among parliaments and advocates for strong democratic institutions.

Context & Linkages

This past article highlights a similar trend of deviations from established parliamentary norms, specifically the Prime Minister’s absence from replying to the debate on the President’s address. Both articles underscore the importance of executive accountability to Parliament and the potential consequences of eroding these norms. The current article builds upon this concern by focusing on the Speaker’s role in upholding these norms.

This article directly relates to the current piece by discussing the government’s attempts to stifle the voice of the Leader of the Opposition. Both articles point to a pattern of restricting debate and limiting opportunities for scrutiny, contributing to a climate of distrust and hindering effective parliamentary functioning. The current article expands on this by examining the broader implications of the Speaker’s conduct.

The Way Forward

• Strengthen Parliamentary Procedures: Review and clarify parliamentary rules to minimize ambiguity and prevent selective interpretation.
• Promote Constructive Dialogue: Encourage regular meetings between the Speaker and leaders of all parties to foster understanding and address concerns.
• Enhance Committee System: Strengthen the role of parliamentary committees in scrutinizing legislation and holding the executive accountable.
• Uphold Impartiality: The Speaker must demonstrate impartiality and fairness in all proceedings, ensuring that all members have an equal opportunity to participate.
• Code of Conduct for MPs: Develop a comprehensive code of conduct for MPs to promote responsible behavior and discourage disruptive tactics.