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Understanding Privilege Motion in Parliament

Recently, a privilege motion was moved against the External Affairs Minister, accusing him of providing misleading and incomplete information. This raises important questions about parliamentary privileges and the mechanisms available to hold members accountable. This article explains the privilege motion, its procedures, and constitutional significance—an essential topic for UPSC Civil Services Examination.


What is a Privilege Motion?

A privilege motion is a formal procedure raised when a Member of Parliament (MP) believes that their parliamentary privileges—which ensure the independent functioning of the legislature—have been breached. It aims to protect the dignity and authority of Parliament by addressing misconduct or wrongful acts by its members.


Understanding Parliamentary Privileges

  1. Definition:

    • Parliamentary privileges refer to the rights and immunities enjoyed by MPs to perform their duties without external interference.

    • Derived from Article 105 of the Indian Constitution for Parliament and Article 194 for State Legislatures.

  2. Types of Privileges:

    • Individual Privileges (for Members):

      • Freedom of speech in Parliament.

      • Exemption from legal action for statements made within the House.

      • Protection from arrest in civil cases during a session and 40 days before and after.

    • Collective Privileges (for the House):

      • Right to publish debates and proceedings.

      • Power to discipline and exclude outsiders.

      • Right to receive immediate information on the arrest of a member.


Procedure for Moving a Privilege Motion

  1. Initiating the Motion:

    • Any MP can submit a privilege motion if they believe there is a breach of parliamentary privilege.

  2. Conditions for Admissibility:

    • It must relate to a specific and recent occurrence.

    • The matter should be serious enough to warrant Parliament’s intervention.

  3. Role of the Presiding Officer:

    • The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha decides whether to:

      • Reject the motion.

      • Consider it personally.

      • Refer it to the Committee of Privileges for further examination.

  4. Committee of Privileges:

    • A special parliamentary committee responsible for investigating and recommending action on privilege breaches.

    • Composition: Both Houses have separate committees with members nominated by the Presiding Officer.


Significance of Privilege Motion

  1. Upholds Parliamentary Integrity:

    • Ensures transparency and accountability in the functioning of Parliament.

  2. Prevents Misuse of Power:

    • Discourages false information and misrepresentation by members.

  3. Protects Legislative Authority:

    • Safeguards freedom of speech and autonomy within the House.


Challenges and Criticisms

  1. Lack of Clear Definitions:

    • The Constitution does not clearly define the scope of parliamentary privileges, leading to ambiguity.

  2. Political Misuse:

    • Privilege motions may be used as a political tool to target opponents.

  3. Delayed Action:

    • Referral to the Privileges Committee can lead to prolonged proceedings, reducing efficacy.


Landmark Privilege Cases in India

  1. K.K. Tiwari Case (1978):

    • Misleading information given by a minister led to a privilege motion being passed.

  2. P. V. Narasimha Rao Case (1998):

    • Clarified the immunity of MPs under Article 105 regarding parliamentary debates.


Comparison: Privilege Motion vs. Other Parliamentary Tools

Feature

Privilege Motion

Censure Motion

No-Confidence Motion

Purpose

Address breach of parliamentary privilege

Express disapproval of a minister

Remove government from office

Target

Individuals or House members

Specific minister or government

Entire Council of Ministers

Outcome

Inquiry and recommendations

Does not lead to resignation

If passed, forces government resignation

Authority

Speaker/Chairman

Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha


Way Forward

  1. Codification of Privileges:

    • Clearly define parliamentary privileges to reduce ambiguity and misuse.

  2. Speedy Disposal:

    • Implement a time-bound process for handling privilege motions.

  3. Balanced Approach:

    • Ensure the motion is used to protect legislative dignity without becoming a political weapon.


UPSC Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Privilege Motion in India:

  1. Only a Minister can move a privilege motion in the Parliament.

  2. The Speaker or Chairman has the authority to either decide on the motion or refer it to the Privileges Committee.

  3. Parliamentary privileges are explicitly defined under Article 105 of the Constitution.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3


UPSC Mains Question

Q. Examine the constitutional provisions regarding parliamentary privileges in India. Discuss the relevance of the privilege motion in ensuring accountability while highlighting the need for a clear legal framework.

(GS Paper 2 – Indian Polity & Governance)


 
 
 

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