Monsoon Session of The Parliament
Recently, the ‘Monsoon Session of Parliament’ has started, it should be noted that the duration of the previous session of Parliament was reduced to an indefinite end.
But according to the constitution, the next session is required to be held within 6 months. So this deadline expires on September 14.
Constitutional Provisions:
- According to Article 85 of the Constitution, there should not be a gap of ‘more than 6 months’ between two sessions of Parliament.
- But it has to be noted that the Constitution does not specify when or for how many days the Parliament should be in session.
- The maximum interval between two sessions of Parliament cannot exceed six months. That is, it is mandatory to have a meeting of Parliament at least twice in a year.
- The ‘session’ of the Parliament is the period between the first sitting of the House and its prorogation.
‘Session’ is called by whom?
In principle, the President shall from time to time summon each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit. But, in practice, the dates of the sitting of the Parliament are decided by the ‘Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs,’ (comprising senior ministers) and then communicated to the President. Therefore, the executive, headed by the Prime Minister, has the power to advise the President to convene the Parliament session.
Significance of Parliamentary Session:
Law-making i.e. the work related to law making is done during the parliamentary session. Further, a thorough inquiry into the working of the government and discussion on national issues can be done only during the ongoing session of both the houses of the Parliament. A well functioning democracy requires a predictable parliamentary functioning.
Source – PIB
