The question hour in the house of the people a critical appraisal under the Indian constitution

Abstract

The work also endeavours upon new definitions of the Question Hour and the concept of Democracy. Question Hour is an important parliamentary device which, through its unique character, plays an active role in national growth. It is a live example of the Council of Ministers accountability to the House. It specifically relates to the asking and replying of Starred Questions, also called as Oral Questions. The Question Hour enables routine accountability of the government towards the legislature in the form of daily assessment of the executive through questions which is far more effective and fast in ensuring good governance. The government is under parliamentary checks every day during the Session. However, this crucial procedure is not bereft of inherent problems and challenges, primary of which are disruptions that obstruct its smooth functioning resulting in either complete suspension of its proceedings or partial functioning. On the other hand, if this crucial procedure is allowed to run, it ensures a faster development for the fact that answers given directly by the vi Minister on the floor of the House often carry an element of assurance leading to implementation of various welfare policies. These assurances, if not fulfilled, makes them accountable to the House. Hence, once a statement is made by the Minister in the House, the concerned Ministry/Department galvanises into action to fulfil the assurance on any subject of public welfare. The implementation process, thus, makes a ripple effect in the form of developmental work in the entire country. On the contrary, disruptions result in stalling the proceedings of the Question Hour and become a hurdle in fast-tracking the growth of the nation. The importance of the Question Hour can be assessed from the fact that even a day s disruption resulting in adjournment affects the growth process and leads to wastage of valuable time/resources employed in preparation. In addition, an attempt has been made to view this parliamentary procedure