Delay in prorogation fuels speculation over government’s plans to introduce key legislation without convening a fresh session
New Delhi, September 22: Parliament’s Monsoon Session has entered an unusual phase, with the formal prorogation of both Houses still pending even 40 days after the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die.
The development has reportedly set a new record for the length of time between the indefinite adjournment of Parliament and its formal prorogation. Former Lok Sabha Secretary-General P. D. T. Achary has pointed out that the previous notable instance came in 2015, when both Houses were prorogued 28 days after being adjourned.
According to Achary, the delay at that time was linked to the government’s efforts to build political consensus around the Goods and Services Tax (GST) legislation.
Why has prorogation been delayed?
The prolonged gap has triggered speculation that the government may be keeping the current session technically alive to facilitate the introduction of an important legislative proposal without first calling an entirely new session.
One of the possibilities being discussed is a fresh attempt to amend the Women’s Reservation law. The proposed changes could be aimed at enabling the reservation provisions to take effect before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The issue is also connected to the larger debate over delimitation and representation in Parliament. Concerns have particularly been raised by opposition parties in southern states that a population-based delimitation exercise could reduce their relative representation in the Lok Sabha.
One proposal under discussion is to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats by 50 per cent across all states and Union Territories, an approach that could potentially address some of the concerns arising from future delimitation.
What is the normal procedure?
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die on August 13. Under the usual parliamentary practice, prorogation is formally notified within a few days after such an adjournment.
This time, however, the notification had still not been issued as of Tuesday morning, leaving the Monsoon Session technically without a formal conclusion.
The contrast with the Budget Session is notable. The Budget Session concluded on April 18 and Parliament was formally prorogued two days later, on April 20.
What does the Constitution say?
Under the constitutional framework, the President summons and prorogues Parliament on the advice of the government. Prorogation formally brings a parliamentary session to an end, although it is distinct from the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
The delay does not necessarily mean that Parliament will continue meeting. Both Houses have already been adjourned sine die. However, until a formal prorogation notification is issued, the session remains technically open.
Parliament’s Winter Session generally begins towards the end of November and concludes before Christmas. The unusual 40-day gap before the formal end of the Monsoon Session has therefore attracted considerable attention, particularly amid speculation over possible legislative moves.
(SDNA)