Reviving a far-sighted but forgotten Bill mechanism

Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) are back in discussion due to their consistent neglect in Parliament, despite their potential to enhance democratic engagement and legislative diversity. In the 18th Lok Sabha so far, not a single PMB has been discussed, reflecting a deeper institutional apathy.

Status and Decline of PMBs

• Neglected Legislative Mechanism: Despite over 1,400 PMBs introduced in the 17th Lok Sabha, only 16 were discussed (2 in Lok Sabha, 14 in Rajya Sabha), and none were passed—a continuation of a trend since 1970, the last time a PMB cleared both Houses.
• Disrupted Parliamentary Fridays: PMBs are scheduled for discussion on Fridays, but in recent sessions, these have often been lost to disruptions, general debates, or overridden by government business, rendering the time symbolic rather than functional.
• Low Participation and Weak Follow-through: In the 18th Lok Sabha, only 20 MPs introduced PMBs, and during the 2024 Budget Session, 64 PMBs were tabled in Lok Sabha but none were discussed, indicating diminishing MP engagement and institutional neglect.

Democratic Value and Impact of PMBs

• Platform for Social Innovation: Supriya Sule’s ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill (2019) tackled digital overreach into personal life, sparking national debate on labour rights and mental health, despite not advancing legislatively.
• Legislative Precursor to Government Laws: Tiruchi Siva’s ‘Rights of Transgender Persons’ Bill (2014) was passed in Rajya Sabha, laying the foundation for the 2019 government legislation on transgender rights, proving PMBs can shape future government action.
• Voice for Treasury Bench MPs: Gopal Shetty’s Bill for free healthcare for senior citizens illustrates how even ruling party MPs can use PMBs to reflect constituency needs beyond party lines.

Institutional Constraints and Reforms Needed

• Anti-Defection Law’s Chilling Effect: The 52nd Constitutional Amendment (1985) has restricted MPs' autonomy, binding them to party positions and leaving PMBs as one of the few remaining tools for independent action.
• Need for Procedural Safeguards: Suggestions include protecting PMB time slots via amendments to the Rules of Procedure, ensuring Fridays are shielded from government encroachment except in national emergencies.
• Global Inspiration for Reform: Adopting the UK Parliament’s Ten-Minute Rule, where MPs briefly introduce Bills with a short speech, could allow greater legislative idea exposure without requiring extensive time slots.

Practice Question