Question

Do you find a decline in the status of modern legislature? Give concrete examples in support of your answer.

Answer 1

Yes, there is a decline in the status of modern legislatures. Here are four concrete examples:

• Dominance of the Executive: In countries such as India, the executive often bypasses Parliament via ordinances. For example, the 2020 Farm Laws had been suggested as ordinances before being debated.
• Reduced Sitting Days: Legislatures are establishing less often. The Indian Parliament met for only 33 days in 2020, indicating a significant decrease in active legislative activity.
• Frequent Disruptions: Protests and walkouts frequently disrupt legislative meetings. This reduces the quality of debates and leads to bills being passed without sufficient thought.
• Party Control and Whips: Legislators frequently blindly follow party commands (whips), reducing independent thought and discussion and damaging the spirit of parliamentary democracy.