PRS Legislative Research organised its Second Annual Conference on Effective Legislatures on December 9 in New Delhi. The Conference brought together policymakers and opinion leaders to explore key themes related to Parliamentary functioning and governance. This year the two sessions focused on the balance of power between the executive and the legislature, and the impact of the anti-defection law on parliamentary debate.
 |
 |
(L to R): Justice Y. K. Sabharwal, Mr. E. M. S. Natchiappan, Mr. Shahid Siddiqui
|
(L to R): Mr. N. K. Singh, Mr. Shivraj Patil, Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi |
| |
|
Session 1: Who’s the Boss: Executive or Legislature?
What determines thebalance of power between the Parliament (Legislature) and the Government (Executive), in practice? Is the power enjoyed by the Executive in any way affecting the ability of Parliament to perform its role?
PRS Background Note on Executive Vs Legislature | Summary of Proceedings
Panelists:
Chair: Prof. Bibek Debroy
Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi, MP and President, AIMIM
Mr. N. K. Singh, MP, Former Deputy Chairman, Bihar Planning Board
Mr. Shivraj Patil, MP, Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Cabinet Minister
Session 2: The Anti-Defection Law: Intent and Impact
What was the purpose of the law when it got enacted -
has the law served the purpose? Does the law restrict Parliamentary debate in any way?
PRS Background Note on the Anti Defection Law | Summary of Proceedings
Panelists:
Chair: Mr. B. G. Verghese
Dr. EM Sudarsana Natchiappan, MP and Former Chairman Standing Comm. on Law and Justice
Justice Y. K. Sabharwal, Former Chief Justice of India
Mr. Shahid Siddiqui, Former MP and Chief Editor, Nai Duniya
Also, Read the transcripts and watch the proceedings of the PRS Conference in 2008.
| 
