The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are questioning a parliamentarian on her purported involvement in “cash for query” allegations. This has brought attention to the significance and protocol of submitting questions to the Lok Sabha.
Procedure for Raising Questions
- Rules and Instructions: The “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” (Rules 32 to 54) and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha’s Instructions (10 to 18) govern the procedure for raising questions.
- Submission of Notice: If more than one question is filed, MPs must start the procedure by sending a notice to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha that includes the content of the question, the relevant Minister, the preferred date for the answer, and the order of preference.
- Limitations: MPs may send up to five notices per day for both written and oral responses; any more notices will be carried over to the next session day.
- Notice Period: A question typically has a notice period of at least 15 days.
- Submission Methods: Members of Parliament may use paper forms that are accessible in the Parliamentary Notice Office or the internet “Member’s Portal” with their login information to submit notices.
Conditions for Admissibility of Questions
- The admissibility of questions is governed by a number of criteria, including a word limit of 150, the proscription of arguments and defamatory remarks, the avoidance of character or conduct references unless speaking in an official role, and the disapproval of inquiries pertaining to policies.
- Legal Matters: Inadmissible questions are those that relate to cases that are pending in court or that might jeopardize the integrity and unity of the country.
Types of Questions
- Starred Questions: Members ask the Minister-in-Charge starred questions in order to receive an oral response. There is a limit of 20 questions stated for oral responses each day, and submission of these questions must occur at least 15 days in advance.
- Unstarred Questions: In addition to requiring submission 15 days in advance, unstarred questions are answered in writing by the Ministry. There is a daily cap of 230 open questions with written responses.
- Short Notice Questions: With a good justification, questions about pressing public issues may be raised with less than ten days’ notice.
- Questions to Private Members: These are directed at the member directly and are asked when the topic is one of the bills, resolutions, or House-related issues that the member is responsible for.
Importance of Raising Questions
- MPs possess an innate and unlimited parliamentary power to ask questions, which functions as a legislative check on executive activities.
- Information and Criticism: By asking probing questions, ministers can uncover inefficiencies, assess government programs, uncover administration and activity information, and be prompted to take remedial action.
- Government Feedback: Parliamentary commissions, inquiries, or legislative acts may result from queries posed to the public about attitudes toward administration and policy.
