‘Indian Parliament is constituted, as the supreme legislative body and a multifunctional institution performing a variety of roles.’ Elucidate.

1. Introduction

The Indian Parliament, comprising the President and two houses, the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), serves as the supreme legislative body of the country. Beyond its primary function of lawmaking, the Indian Parliament plays a multifunctional role, encompassing legislative, deliberative, representative, and oversight functions. This essay elucidates the diverse roles and functions performed by the Indian Parliament, highlighting its significance in the governance framework of India.

2. Legislative Function

At its core, the Indian Parliament is tasked with enacting laws and legislation on a wide range of subjects, including finance, taxation, governance, social welfare, and national security. Members of both houses propose, debate, and scrutinize bills, which must pass through various stages of readings and approvals before becoming law. The legislative function of Parliament reflects the principle of popular sovereignty, as laws are enacted by elected representatives on behalf of the people.

3. Deliberative Function

Beyond its legislative role, the Indian Parliament serves as a forum for deliberation and debate on issues of national importance. Members of Parliament (MPs) engage in discussions, question government policies, and articulate diverse viewpoints on matters affecting the country. Parliamentary debates provide a platform for expressing public opinion, fostering dialogue among stakeholders, and shaping public policy through informed discourse.

4. Representative Function

The Indian Parliament is the embodiment of the principle of representative democracy, where elected representatives voice the interests, concerns, and aspirations of the people they represent. MPs are elected through democratic elections, wherein citizens exercise their right to vote and choose their representatives. Parliamentarians represent the diversity of India's population, including different regions, communities, and socio-economic groups, ensuring that the legislative process reflects the plurality of Indian society.

5. Oversight Function

In addition to its legislative and deliberative roles, the Indian Parliament performs an essential oversight function, holding the government accountable for its actions and decisions. Through mechanisms such as question hour, parliamentary committees, and motions of no confidence, Parliament scrutinizes the executive branch, examines government policies and expenditures, and ensures transparency and accountability in governance.

6. Financial Function

The Indian Parliament exercises control over the government's finances through its role in budgetary processes. It deliberates on the annual budget presented by the government, scrutinizes expenditure proposals, and authorizes government spending through the passage of finance bills. Parliament's oversight of financial matters ensures fiscal discipline, allocates resources in line with national priorities, and safeguards public funds against misuse or misappropriation.

7. Constitutional Function

As the supreme legislative body, the Indian Parliament also performs constitutional functions, including amending the Constitution and ratifying constitutional amendments proposed by the government. Constitutional amendments require a special majority in both houses of Parliament, reflecting the significance of parliamentary consent in modifying the foundational legal framework of the country.

8. Social and Symbolic Function

Beyond its formal roles and functions, the Indian Parliament serves as a symbol of democratic governance, national unity, and sovereignty. Parliament sessions, proceedings, and ceremonial events such as the President's address to the joint session convey the democratic ethos and institutional integrity of the Indian state. The Parliament building itself, with its iconic architecture and historical significance, embodies the ideals of democracy and governance in India.

Conclusion

The Indian Parliament, as the supreme legislative body, performs a multifunctional role in the governance framework of India. From its core functions of lawmaking and deliberation to its representative, oversight, financial, constitutional, social, and symbolic roles, Parliament plays a pivotal role in shaping the democratic fabric and governance architecture of the country. By upholding the principles of democracy, accountability, and constitutionalism, the Indian Parliament remains a cornerstone of India's democratic polity and national identity.