Mimicry of the Vice President in Rajya Sabha: Mockery of Parliamentary Decorum | UPSC Current Affairs
The recent incidents of mockery of the Vice President raise serious concerns about the erosion of parliamentary decorum.
Such behavior not only compromises the sanctity of the Rajya Sabha but also challenges the constitutional principles that underpin the Vice President's role.
It reflects a departure from the values of respect and civility that are essential for the smooth functioning of a parliamentary democracy.
Constitutional Significance of the Vice President's Role:
The framers of the Constitution envisioned a distinct position of the Vice President, emphasizing the need for a dignified and impartial presiding officer in the Rajya Sabha.
The Vice President is the second citizen of India after the president.
Moreover, the Vice President acts as the constitutional successor to the President in case of a vacancy, highlighting the importance of this position in the national leadership hierarchy (Article 65).
Article 65 designates the Vice President as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, endowing the office with significant responsibilities.
Article 80 of the Constitution lays down the constitution of the Rajya Sabha, and the Vice President, in his capacity, represents the states in the Rajya Sabha. He is the symbol of the federal balance in India.
Article 89 grants the Vice President the power to cast a deciding vote only in the event of a tie, signifying the neutral role.
Related Court Judgements
Raja Ram Pal vs. Lok Sabha Speaker (2007): the Supreme Court emphasized the need to maintain the dignity and decorum of Parliament, thereby upholding respect for constitutional offices.
Subramanian Swamy vs. Raju (2016): The court reiterated the need for maintaining the decorum of parliamentary proceedings. It emphasized that members must refrain from personal attacks and derogatory behavior.
Associated Concerns:
1. Erosion of Parliamentary Decorum: Such incidents undermines the seriousness of parliamentary proceedings.
2. Image of the Rajya Sabha: Adverse effects on the reputation of the Rajya Sabha as an institution, and diminishes the respect associated with the position of the Vice President and the Chair.
3. Impact on Public Perception: Citizens witnessing disrespect towards constitutional figures may lose faith in the democratic process.
4. Impact on International Image: Such incidents can tarnish India's international reputation as a matured democracy.
5. Precedent for Future Conduct: Failure to address mockery may set a precedent for future disrespectful behavior.
Way Forward:
1. Strict Enforcement of Parliamentary Code of Conduct: Impose penalties for members violating the decorum, setting a deterrent.
2. Ethics Committees' Active Role: Strengthen the role of parliamentary ethics committees in addressing such transgressions.
3. Accountability Mechanisms: Implement robust mechanisms to hold members accountable for their behavior. Ensure swift and fair disciplinary actions against those who engage in mockery or disruptive behavior.
4. Cross-Party Dialogues: Foster dialogue among political parties to promote mutual respect within the parliament.
5. Educational Programs for Parliamentarians: Conduct workshops on the importance of upholding parliamentary decorum.
6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Inform the public about the significance of respecting constitutional offices.
Conclusion:
The incident of mimicry of the Vice President in the Rajya Sabha is not merely a matter of personal disrespect but strike at the heart of our constitutional values. Upholding the dignity of constitutional offices is essential for the smooth functioning of the parliamentary system.
A concerted effort from all stakeholders is required to ensure that the Rajya Sabha remains a forum for reasoned debate and not a platform for unbecoming behavior.
Only through collective commitment to parliamentary decorum can we safeguard the principles that form the bedrock of our democratic institutions.