Dolly and Sudha are debating about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Parliament in recent times. Dolly believed that the decline of Indian Parliament is evident in the less time spent on debate and discussion and increase in the disturbances of the functioning of the House and walkouts, etc. Sudha contends that the fall of different governments on the floor of Lok Sabha is a proof of its vibrancy. What other arguments can you provide to support or oppose the positions of Dolly and Sudha?

When we watch the live telecast of the proceedings of the Parliament, we find that the members of the Parliament of different parties often fight bitterly. Many a time an impression is created that they are wasting time and money of the nation. But the Parliament is a debating forum. It is through debates that the Parliament performs all its important functions. These discussions must be meaningful and in a peaceful manner. Due to the negligence of some of its members, the efficiency and effectiveness of the Parliament is decreasing in recent times. Some of the members do not fulfil their duty honestly and due to their partisan behaviour they create uproars in the House.

According to the Dolly’s view it is the evidence of decline of the Indian Parliament because less time is spent in discussions and there is an increase in the disturbances of the functioning of the House, they use sometimes unparliamentary methods also to disturb the functioning of the House. But most of the members use their right properly in the House. They take part in the debate in the House honestly and the function of the House are carried out smoothly and its dignity is maintained.

It is an era of coalition governments. These days, the members of Parliament should behave properly and honestly. They have to restrain own party members if they do the activities which create disturbances in the smooth functioning of the Parliament. The presiding officers should also take effective action with regard to the misbehaving members in the House. All political parties should educate the members belonging to them above the need for a restrained and constructive behaviour in the Houses. In a parliamentary democracy, Legislature, as a body representing the wishes of the people occupies a high position of power and responsibility. Herein lies the democratic potential of the Parliament.