Write a short note on Principle of Collective Responsibility.

The Principle of Collective Responsibility is a fundamental feature of parliamentary systems, including the one in India, and underscores the cohesive nature of the executive branch. According to this principle, the entire Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the lower house of the parliament, in India's case, the Lok Sabha.

This principle implies that every member of the Cabinet must publicly support, defend, and stand by the decisions taken by the government. Regardless of individual disagreements or reservations, once a decision is made collectively by the Cabinet, all ministers are expected to publicly support it. This solidarity fosters a sense of unity and ensures that the government speaks with one voice, presenting a cohesive front to the public and the parliament.

If the government faces criticism or a vote of no confidence, it is considered a collective failure, and the entire Cabinet may be required to resign. The Principle of Collective Responsibility acts as a mechanism to maintain accountability, discipline, and the stability of the government, reinforcing the idea that the Cabinet operates as a unified entity rather than a collection of individual ministers.