Monsoon Session of Parliament: Historical Context and Constitutional Provisions

Monsoon Session of Parliament: Historical Context and Constitutional Provisions

Introduction

• The Monsoon Session is one of the three key sessions of the Indian Parliament:

  • Budget Session – February to May

  • Monsoon Session – July to September

  • Winter Session – November to December

• The Monsoon Session is aligned with the rainy season (monsoon) in India and is significant for passing crucial legislation and addressing seasonal issues like agriculture, floods, and rural economy.

 Historical Background

Colonial Period:

• The British administration held legislative sessions considering climatic factors and the needs of governance.

• Early Indian legislative bodies (pre-independence) usually met in cooler months but convened sessions during the monsoon when required.

Post-Independence Era:

• After 1947, India institutionalized a three-session structure, including the Monsoon Session, to ensure continuous parliamentary oversight.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 85 of the Indian Constitution

• President’s Power to Summon Parliament:

  “The President shall from time to time summon each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session.“

Key Points:

• There is no constitutional requirement for three specific sessions.

• The Monsoon Session is a convention, not a constitutional mandate.

• However, Article 85 requires that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two parliamentary sessions.

Role of the Executive:

• The President summons Parliament on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

Purpose of the Monsoon Session

Landmark Events in Past Monsoon Sessions

 Challenges

• Political Disruptions: Walkouts, protests, adjournments.

• Seasonal Difficulties: Heavy rains sometimes hamper attendance and logistics.

• Reduced Productivity: Frequent sessions end in stalemates or disruptions.

7️ Conclusion

The Monsoon Session is an essential part of India’s parliamentary calendar. Though not constitutionally mandated as a separate session, it reflects India’s commitment to legislative continuity and addresses urgent national issues, especially those linked to agriculture and natural calamities.

Quick Recap of Key Constitutional Provisions