Special Parliament Session: An Overview

Special parliament sessions are unique gatherings of the legislative body, convened outside the regular session schedule, to address pressing matters that require immediate attention, going beyond the scope of typical legislative routines.

Purpose and Scope

Special sessions serve various purposes, tailored to the specific circumstances that necessitate them. Some common reasons for convening special sessions include:

1. Emergency Situations: These sessions are often called during national crises, such as natural disasters, wars, or pandemics. Swift government responses are essential to mitigate the crisis effectively.

2. Legislative Deadlocks: In instances of deadlock or disagreement between different branches of government or political parties, a special session can be summoned to seek resolution and consensus on critical issues.

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3. Passing Urgent Legislation: Sometimes, there is a need to expedite the passage of vital legislation that cannot wait until the next regular session. Special sessions facilitate a prompt response to urgent matters.

4. Impeachment Proceedings: Special sessions may be convened to conduct impeachment proceedings against public officials accused of misconduct or wrongdoing, ensuring a fair and dedicated examination of the allegations.

Procedure and Duration

The procedure for convening a special parliament session varies among countries. Typically, it involves a formal request from the head of state or government, such as the president or prime minister, which must then be approved by the legislative body or its presiding officer.

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The duration of a special session is contingent upon the nature of the issues to be addressed. These sessions can last from a few days to several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity and urgency of the matters at hand.

Special Parliament Session

Examples of Special Parliament Sessions

1. United States: In the United States, a special session of Congress can be convened at the request of the president or through the passage of a joint resolution. Past special sessions have been held to address issues such as declarations of war, economic crises, and impeachment proceedings.

2. United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, the British Parliament can be recalled for a special session either by the monarch or by the prime minister with the approval of the monarch. Special sessions have been called to address national emergencies, constitutional crises, and significant policy changes.

3. India: In India, the Indian Parliament can be summoned for a special session by the president on the advice of the prime minister. These sessions have been convened in the past to address matters like constitutional amendments, budget presentations, and emergency legislation.

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History of the Indian Parliament

The Parliament of India, established on January 26, 1950, is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It consists of two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). Before independence, India was governed by the Imperial Legislative Council, created in 1861 through the Indian Councils Act. Following independence, the Constituent Assembly of India was elected to draft the country’s Constitution.

The Indian Parliament meets at Sansad Bhavan in New Delhi and represents the world’s largest democratic electorate, with 912 million eligible voters as of 2019. The Parliament has a sanctioned strength of 543 members in the Lok Sabha and 245 members in the Rajya Sabha, including 12 nominees from various fields.

Who Can Call a Special Session of Parliament in India?

In India, a special session of Parliament is typically convened by the President upon the advice of the Prime Minister. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), consisting of several Cabinet ministers, determines the date and number of sittings for the special session.

Political Aspects of Special Sessions in India

Yes, politics often plays a significant role in special sessions of Parliament in India. These sessions provide a platform for various political parties to raise and debate crucial issues. For instance, the upcoming special session in India in 2023 is expected to see discussions on the Women’s Reservation Bill, aiming to reserve one-third of all Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly seats for women. Opposition parties may also use this opportunity to voice concerns about the economy, rising unemployment, and inflation. The government has listed several bills for consideration during this session, including those related to changes in the selection of Election Commissioners.

In essence, special sessions in India, like elsewhere, serve as a political arena where differing ideologies and agendas are brought into focus, and decisions are made that impact the nation’s governance and its citizens.

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Conclusion

Special parliament sessions are indispensable tools for addressing pressing matters and ensuring effective governance. They provide a platform for lawmakers to collaborate in making decisions of national significance. By convening special sessions when necessary, governments can respond swiftly to emerging challenges and fulfill their responsibilities to their citizens.

In the case of India, the upcoming special session in 2023 aims to celebrate the rich heritage of the Indian Parliament and reiterate the goal of propelling the nation into a developed state by 2047. However, such sessions often witness political discussions and debates on a range of issues, reflecting the dynamic nature of democracy and governance in the country. Ultimately, special parliament sessions underscore the adaptability of democratic systems in responding to evolving circumstances.

Special parliament sessions are vital components of a nation’s legislative process, enabling timely responses to critical issues and the functioning of a robust democracy. India’s Parliament has a rich history, and its special sessions provide a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the country’s political landscape. By convening these sessions, governments can address pressing concerns, foster constructive debates, and fulfill their duties toward the electorate they represent.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a special parliament session?

• A special parliament session is a meeting of the legislative body that is convened outside of the regular session schedule. It is called to address urgent matters or specific issues that require immediate attention and cannot wait until the next scheduled session.

2. What are the common reasons for convening a special session of Parliament?

• Common reasons for calling a special session include emergency situations (natural disasters, wars, pandemics), legislative deadlocks, passing urgent legislation, and conducting impeachment proceedings against public officials.

3. How is a special session of Parliament initiated in India?

• In India, a special session of Parliament is typically convened by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) determines the date and number of sittings for the special session.

4. What is the historical background of the Indian Parliament?

• The Indian Parliament was established on January 26, 1950, after the Constitution of India came into force. Prior to independence, India was governed by the Imperial Legislative Council, created in 1861. The Constituent Assembly of India was elected to draft the country’s Constitution after independence.

5. How does politics play a role in special sessions of Parliament in India?

• Special sessions often provide a platform for various political parties to raise and debate crucial issues. It is common for opposition parties to voice concerns and for the government to list bills for consideration during these sessions.

6. Can anyone call for a special session of Parliament in India?

• Typically, the President, upon the advice of the Prime Minister, has the authority to call for a special session of Parliament in India.

7. What is the significance of special sessions in the legislative process?

• Special sessions are significant as they allow for timely responses to critical issues and the functioning of a robust democracy. They provide a platform for lawmakers to address urgent matters and engage in constructive debates.

8. How long does a special session of Parliament usually last in India?

• The duration of a special session can vary depending on the nature and urgency of the matters being discussed. It can range from a few days to several weeks or months.

9. Are there specific rules and procedures for special sessions in India?

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• Yes, there are rules and procedures for convening and conducting special sessions, which may be outlined in the Constitution of India and parliamentary regulations.

10. Can the public access information about the discussions and decisions made during special sessions of Parliament?

• Yes, information about the discussions and decisions made during special sessions is typically accessible to the public through official parliamentary records, media coverage, and government announcements.

11. Are special sessions of Parliament held only in India, or do other countries also convene them?

• Special sessions of Parliament are held in many countries around the world. They are a common practice in democracies to address urgent issues and legislative needs.