Chapter 23: Parliamentary Forums and Parliamentary Groups
Introduction
Apart from regular Parliamentary Committees, the Indian Parliament has created special bodies called Parliamentary Forums and Parliamentary Groups.
They are meant to:
- Increase awareness among MPs about specific issues,
- Provide a focused discussion platform,
- Promote cooperation between Indian Parliament and world Parliaments.
Parliamentary Forums
Meaning
Parliamentary Forums are informal bodies set up to:
- Promote understanding,
- Focus attention on important policy issues,
- Build consensus across political lines,
- Engage Members of Parliament in specialized fields.
Objectives
- Disseminate information and create awareness among MPs.
- Help MPs discuss specific problems in-depth.
- Support formulation of policies through informed discussions.
- Strengthen Parliamentary participation on specific concerns.
Important Parliamentary Forums
| Forum | Established Year | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary Forum on Water Conservation and Management | 2005 | Water management issues |
| Parliamentary Forum on Youth | 2006 | Youth-related problems, employment |
| Parliamentary Forum on Children | 2006 | Child welfare, education, rights |
| Parliamentary Forum on Population and Public Health | 2006 | Health and family welfare issues |
| Parliamentary Forum on Global Warming and Climate Change | 2008 | Climate change, sustainable development |
| Parliamentary Forum on Disaster Management | 2011 | Disaster risk reduction, resilience |
| Parliamentary Forum on Artisans and Craftspeople | 2013 | Welfare of traditional artisans |
Composition of Parliamentary Forums
- Chairman:
- Speaker of Lok Sabha (ex-officio) for all Forums except:
- Forum on Population and Public Health → Chairman is the Deputy Speaker.
- Speaker of Lok Sabha (ex-officio) for all Forums except:
- Members:
- Includes MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Nominated by Speaker (for Lok Sabha) and Chairman (for Rajya Sabha).
Functions
- Organize discussions, seminars, workshops.
- Share research reports and best practices.
- Guide Parliament on legislation related to forum’s subject.
- Create public awareness through MPs.
Parliamentary Groups
Meaning
Parliamentary Groups are associations of Members of Parliament, often for:
- Fostering international cooperation,
- Representing Indian Parliament abroad,
- Promoting friendships and exchanges between India and other countries’ Parliaments.
These groups are more about external relations than policy discussions.
Main Parliamentary Groups in India
1. Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG)
- Established: 1949.
- Nature: Autonomous body within Parliament.
- Membership: Open to all sitting and former MPs.
- President: Speaker of Lok Sabha (ex-officio).
Functions of IPG:
- Organizes visits of foreign parliamentary delegations to India.
- Sends Indian parliamentary delegations abroad.
- Helps Indian MPs participate in international conferences like:
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU),
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA),
- Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).
2. Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- Established: 1889 (international organization).
- India is a member.
- Aims at promoting world peace, democracy, and parliamentary dialogue.
3. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
- Established: 1911.
- Promotes cooperation among Commonwealth Parliaments (countries like India, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).
4. India-Friendship Groups
- Informal groups of MPs fostering friendship with Parliaments of specific countries.
- Example:
- India-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group,
- India-France Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Importance of Parliamentary Forums and Groups
| Importance | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Awareness Creation | MPs stay updated on complex issues like climate change, disaster management. |
| Informed Policymaking | Leads to better, informed legislation and debates. |
| International Diplomacy | Enhances India’s soft power through parliamentary cooperation. |
| Non-partisan Dialogue | Bridges political divides on key national issues. |
Recent Developments
- Increased focus on climate change, health, and disaster management forums.
- Active participation of Indian MPs in Inter-Parliamentary events like IPU summits.
- Growing role in public awareness campaigns — e.g., Water Conservation Forums promoting “Jal Shakti Abhiyan.”
Limitations of Parliamentary Forums
- Non-binding nature: Forums can only recommend, not legislate.
- Low participation: Attendance of MPs often poor.
- Resource limitations: Forums rely on Secretariat support but lack strong independent research wings.
Way Forward
- Make forums more vibrant by mandatory attendance for MPs.
- Involve experts and stakeholders regularly.
- Improve funding and independent research support.
- Strengthen India’s voice at international Parliamentary platforms.
Conclusion
Parliamentary Forums and Groups play a vital complementary role in the Indian Parliamentary system.
They equip lawmakers with specialized knowledge, create awareness among public, and promote parliamentary diplomacy globally.
“An informed Parliament is the strongest foundation of democracy.“
Important Quick Facts for Prelims & Mains
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) year | 1949 |
| IPG President | Speaker of Lok Sabha |
| Forum on Climate Change established in | 2008 |
| Forum on Disaster Management year | 2011 |
| IPU Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| CPA Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
Chapter 24: Supreme Court — Organization, Jurisdiction, and Powers
Introduction
The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority and the guardian of the Constitution.
It ensures:
- Protection of fundamental rights,
- Rule of law,
- Separation of powers,
- Interpretation of the Constitution.
Thus, the Supreme Court is called the “Guardian of the Constitution” and the “Final Interpreter of Law”.
Constitutional Provisions
- Part V, Chapter IV (Articles 124 to 147) of the Constitution deals with the Supreme Court.
Organization of the Supreme Court
Composition
| Post | Details |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice of India (CJI) | Head of Supreme Court |
| Other Judges | Up to 33 (i.e., total strength of 34 including CJI) |
(Strength increased by 2019 Amendment)
Appointment of Judges
- Appointed by the President of India.
- Consultation with:
- Chief Justice of India,
- Other senior judges of Supreme Court and High Courts as deemed necessary.
For Chief Justice of India (CJI):
- Traditionally, senior-most judge appointed as CJI.
Qualifications to be a Supreme Court Judge
As per Article 124(3):
- Citizen of India,
- Must have been:
- Judge of a High Court for 5 years, or
- Advocate of a High Court for 10 years, or
- Distinguished jurist in the opinion of President.
Tenure
- Holds office till the age of 65 years.
- Can resign by writing to the President.
- Can be removed only by impeachment (discussed below).
Removal of Supreme Court Judges (Impeachment)
Grounds:
- Proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Procedure:
- Motion signed by 100 Lok Sabha members or 50 Rajya Sabha members.
- Investigation by a Committee of three (CJI + senior SC and HC judges).
- If guilty, both Houses must pass impeachment motion by:
- Special majority (majority of total membership + 2/3rd members present and voting).
- President removes after approval.
Important:
- No judge of the Supreme Court has ever been removed till date.
Jurisdiction and Powers of Supreme Court
1. Original Jurisdiction (Article 131)
Supreme Court acts as the first court in:
- Disputes between Centre and one or more States,
- Disputes between two or more States.
Example:
- Centre vs Delhi Government disputes on powers.
2. Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32)
- Protects Fundamental Rights.
- Can issue writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo-Warranto.
- Called the “Guardian of Fundamental Rights.”
Note:
- Article 32 itself is a Fundamental Right.
3. Appellate Jurisdiction
- Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in India.
Appeals lie to Supreme Court in:
- Constitutional cases,
- Civil cases,
- Criminal cases.
Certification required from High Court that the case involves a substantial question of law.
4. Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143)
- President can refer matters for Supreme Court’s opinion.
Examples:
- Berubari Union case (1960),
- Ayodhya land dispute (reference by President withdrawn later).
Note:
- Court’s advice is not binding on the President.
5. Power of Judicial Review
- Power to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional if violating Constitution.
Important Cases:
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Basic Structure Doctrine.
- Golaknath Case (1967): FRs cannot be amended.
- Minerva Mills Case (1980): Judicial review is part of Basic Structure.
6. Court of Record (Article 129)
- Supreme Court is a Court of Record:
- Records judgments and acts as evidence.
- Has power to punish for contempt of court.
7. Other Powers
- Review its own judgments (Art 137).
- Transfer cases between High Courts.
- Appoint ad hoc judges (Art 127) if needed.
Important Writs Issued by Supreme Court
| Writ | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Habeas Corpus | “Produce the body” — release person from illegal detention. |
| Mandamus | “We command” — directs public authority to perform duty. |
| Prohibition | Stop lower court from exceeding jurisdiction. |
| Certiorari | Transfer a case from lower court to higher authority. |
| Quo-Warranto | Challenge legality of a person holding a public office. |
Role of Supreme Court in Indian Democracy
- Defender of Fundamental Rights,
- Protector of Constitution,
- Guardian of federal balance,
- Ensures rule of law,
- Promotes social justice through Public Interest Litigations (PILs).
Important Concepts Related to Supreme Court
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- Concept developed in 1980s.
- Any public-spirited citizen can file PIL for protection of public interest.
- Relaxed rule of “locus standi” (personal interest not required).
Famous PIL cases:
- MC Mehta cases (Environmental protection),
- Vishaka case (Sexual harassment guidelines).
Judicial Activism
- Judiciary actively intervenes in issues where executive/legislature fails.
- Positive for rights protection but criticized for overreach sometimes.
Judicial Restraint
- Courts respecting the powers of Legislature and Executive.
- Essential for maintaining separation of powers.
Comparison: Supreme Court vs High Court
| Feature | Supreme Court | High Court |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | National | State-specific |
| Original Jurisdiction | Centre-State disputes | Fundamental Rights violation |
| Appeal | Final appeal court | Appeals can be filed here |
| Writ Jurisdiction | Art 32 | Art 226 (broader — FRs + legal rights) |
Recent Developments
- Increased use of PILs for social reforms.
- Debates on Judicial Overreach vs Judicial Activism.
- Online hearing systems introduced during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Increased number of judges to tackle backlog.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court of India stands as the sentinel of democracy and guardian of the Constitution.
It ensures that both the government and the citizens act within the framework of law, thus safeguarding the fundamental structure of the Indian Republic.
“Where there is no judiciary independent and fearless, there can be no democracy.” — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Important Quick Facts for Prelims & Mains
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Strength of SC Judges (2024) | 34 (including CJI) |
| Retirement Age | 65 years |
| First Chief Justice of India | Harilal Jekisundas Kania (1950) |
| Current CJI (2024) | D.Y. Chandrachud |
| Court of Record Article | 129 |
| Guardian of FRs Article | 32 |