Question

Do you think Members of Parliament should be fined for unruly scenes, frequent adjournments and disruptions in the Lok Sabha leading to loss of valuable working hours and wastage of public money? Give your views and suggestions.

Answer 1

Fining Members of Parliament (MPs) for disruptions is a debated proposal that balances public accountability with democratic freedom.

• Views Supporting Fines:
  1. Reduces Waste of Public Money: Safeguards taxpayer funds, as parliamentary sessions cost lakhs of rupees per minute.
  2. Boosts Legislative Productivity: Discourages forced adjournments, ensuring crucial national bills are passed on time.
  3. Restores Institutional Dignity: Penalises unruly behaviour like tearing documents or storming the well of the House.
• Views Opposing Fines:
  1. Suppresses Democratic Dissent: Disruption is often the opposition’s only tool when the majority government refuses to debate sensitive issues.
  2. Biased Enforcement Risks: Ruling parties could misuse financial penalties to selectively silence vocal critics and smaller regional parties.
  3. Breaches Parliamentary Privilege: Clashes with the spirit of Article 105, which protects an MP’s absolute freedom of speech inside the House.
• Key Suggestions:
  1. No Work, No Pay: Automatically deduct daily allowances of MPs for hours lost to disruptions.
  2. Opposition Days: Dedicate fixed days for the opposition to set the agenda, reducing the need for aggressive protests.
  3. Strict Suspensions: Empower the Speaker to firmly enforce existing rules to suspend repeat offenders instead of adjourning the House.