Parliamentary Privileges: Is Codification a Solution In India Now?

Powers and privileges of legislators have always been a problematic issue before the concerned persons. Initially when privileges were asked, they were very few in number, mainly for freedom of speech and discussion, freedom from arrest, access to the royals and power to regulate their own constitution. Since, these privileges are not codified now so members enjoy a lot more now. Prior to independence in India, more effort were put to codify them as it was thought the privileges would enable them to acquire equal position with those of the Members of the British House of Commons and enhance their participation and contribution in the legislative method. Post independence witnessed all efforts were put in to save them from codification as it was believed that codification could restrict the strength of privileges. However non-codification too poses serious problem because due to non-codification the unrestricted debates, abusive language, undemocratic scenes and low standard in deliberation become quite common now a days. It is now witnesses frequent paralysed Parliament where the business of the House/s being hindered almost regularly without paying any attention that each minute of Parliament costs beyond imagination, a whooping amount of about 2.5 lakh Indian rupees. Broad knowledge, attachment to the ground realities, respecting and accommodating the views of others can make good solution to this problem. The Members must feel their responsibilities towards the august institution so that it will become truly a place of perseverance. For present work the data has been collected from both primary and secondary sources which include print as well as electronic media and observation.