LET THE HOUSE BE IN ORDER

Parliament’s stature asthe Temple of Indian Democracy calls for itto be honoured by adequate and proportionate conduct, as sanctity of suchanesteemed institution is not to be trumped by any political or personal motives.

- KARTIKEYA SHARMA

As an independent Member of the Rajya Sabha, I feel compelled to address the disruptions that have plagued both Houses of Parliament in the ongoing winter session. The spectacle of elected representatives resorting to unruly demonstrations and obstructing the proceedings not only depletes the productivity of our legislative bodies but also erodes the public's faith in the apex legislative institution. It is a truism that in a thriving democracy, vigorous and even acrimonious debate is not merely desirable but essential. The freedom to voice dissent, to challenge the status quo, and to hold the government accountable is the foundation of our constitutional order.

However, when that freedom morphs into a deliberate disregard for decorum and a blatant disrespect for the institutional frameworks strengthening our system of governance, it becomes a malignant force that threatens the very idea of democracy.

The economic repercussions underlining the statement "The House stands adjourned to meet at..." are stressing. The cost of such disruptions runs in several crores, in words of former Secretary of Lok Sabha, P.D.T. Achary, it costs nearly Rs 2.5 lakhs per minute to run the Parliament. With reports suggesting roughly 200 hours being wasted in the last budget session, one can imagine the toll it exerts on the public coffers and the precious time lost that could have been utilised to deliberate upon pressing issues of national importance.