Legislature

I do not agree.
Reasons:

• Accountability: Without a legislature, the Executive (Prime Minister and Ministers) would become a dictatorship with no one to question their policies or spending. The Legislature holds the Executive accountable (e.g., Question Hour, No Confidence Motion).
• Representation: The Executive usually represents the majority party. The Legislature represents the entire nation, including minorities and opposition views.
• Law Making: Legislation requires debate and deliberation, which only a diverse body like the Parliament can provide efficiently, ensuring laws are not arbitrary.

• Neha (Bicameralism serves no purpose): Disagree. A second chamber (like Rajya Sabha) allows for a “second thought” or review of hasty legislation passed by the lower house.
• Shama (Experts should be nominated): Agree. The Upper House is an ideal place to have experts (scientists, artists, economists) who may not want to fight rough elections but whose advice is valuable for the nation (e.g., 12 nominated members in Rajya Sabha).
• Tridib (No federation, no second chamber): Disagree. Even in unitary countries (like the UK), a second chamber acts as a revising body to check the power of the lower house. It is not useful only for protecting state interests.

The Lok Sabha has two exclusive powers that make its control effective:

• No Confidence Motion: Only the Lok Sabha can remove the government by passing a ‘No Confidence Motion’. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha cannot remove the government.
• Money Bills: The Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend Money Bills (Budget). It can only delay them by 14 days. Since control over finance is the ultimate control, Lok Sabha is more powerful.

I agree partially, but the two are not mutually exclusive.
The Lok Sabha is the platform for popular sentiments because its members are directly elected by the people. When MPs raise issues (inflation, unemployment), they are voicing the people’s pain.
However, this very act of “expressing sentiments” serves as a mechanism of control. By raising public issues, the Opposition forces the Executive to act, change policies, or defend its actions. Thus, expressing sentiments is the method by which control is exercised.

• Parliament should work for longer periods: Agree. More time allows for meaningful debate rather than rushing bills through without discussion.
• Attendance should be made compulsory: Agree. Low attendance disrespects the voters’ mandate. Compulsory attendance ensures MPs participate in law-making.
• Speakers empowered to penalise members: Agree. Frequent disruptions and “walkouts” waste time and money. Penalties would enforce discipline and maintain the dignity of the House.

Answer to Arif:
Even with a majority, the Parliament is crucial because:

• Legitimacy: A bill becomes a law only after passing through the parliamentary process, giving it moral and legal authority.
• Improvements: During debates, the Opposition often points out flaws or suggests amendments that the government might accept to improve the law.
• Public Awareness: Parliamentary debates highlight the pros and cons of a law for the media and the public, ensuring the government explains why it is making that law.

The Parliamentary Committee system has deepened and improved the appraisal of legislation.
Since Parliament meets for limited days, it cannot discuss every technical detail. Committees (like the Standing Committees) work throughout the year. They:

• Scrutinize demands for grants (budget) of ministries minutely.
• Examine bills clause-by-clause, often inviting expert testimony.
• Provide a non-partisan atmosphere where MPs work across party lines.

This has made legislative oversight more technical, detailed, and effective.

I agree most with the statement: “Defection is always for selfish purposes and therefore, a legislator who wants to join another party must be disqualified from being a minister for the next two years.”
Reason: Defection (switching parties after election) betrays the voter’s mandate and is usually done for money or ministry positions. While the current law disqualifies them from the House, barring them from ministerial posts is a necessary deterrent to stop “horse-trading.”
However, the statement “Anti-defection law has contributed to the domination of party leaders” is also factually true, as MPs lose their freedom to vote against the party line even on non-critical issues.

Supporting Dolly (Decline):

• Frequent Disruptions: Sessions are frequently washed out due to shouting matches, reducing productive hours.
• Ordinance Raj: Governments often bypass Parliament by issuing ordinances instead of debating bills.

Supporting Sudha (Vibrancy):

• Accountability: The Parliament has successfully held governments accountable (e.g., questions on scams).
• Coalition Checks: In coalition eras, the Parliament prevents the Cabinet from becoming autocratic.

Conclusion: While the structure is vibrant (Sudha), the conduct of members has declined (Dolly).

Correct Sequence:

1. Legislative department in ministry of law, drafts a bill.
2. The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill.
3. A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion.
4. The bill is referred to the subcommittee – the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the house for discussion.
5. The bill is read clause by clause and each is voted upon.
6. The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed.
7. The bill is referred to other House and is passed.
8. The bill is referred to the President of India.
   (If s/he does not sign it: They can send it back for reconsideration. If Parliament passes it again, the President must sign it).