Introduction
Article 118 of the Constitution of India plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and orderly functioning of Parliament. While the Constitution lays down the broad framework of legislative powers, it does not micromanage how daily parliamentary business should run. Instead, Article 118 empowers each House of Parliament to regulate its own procedure. This flexibility allows Parliament to adapt its working methods to changing political, social, and administrative needs. Moreover, Article 118 strengthens parliamentary autonomy by reducing dependence on external authorities for internal functioning. For students of constitutional law and aspirants of competitive examinations, understanding Article 118 helps in appreciating how democratic deliberation is structured in practice, not just in theory.
Constitutional Basis and Meaning of Article 118
Article 118 authorizes each House of Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, to make rules for regulating its procedure and the conduct of its business. In simple terms, it means that both Houses can decide how they will function on a day-to-day basis. This includes the manner of debates, the scheduling of business, the process of introducing and passing bills, and the rules governing questions and discussions. Until each House frames its own rules, the President may make rules for regulating procedure. However, once the Houses adopt their own rules, presidential rules cease to operate. Thus, Article 118 balances initial executive support with long-term legislative independence.
Scope of Rule-Making Power Under Article 118
The scope of Article 118 is wide and practical. It covers all aspects of parliamentary functioning that are not expressly provided for in the Constitution. For instance, the rules determine how motions are moved, how voting takes place, and how order is maintained during debates. They also regulate the formation and functioning of parliamentary committees, which play a vital role in legislative scrutiny. Furthermore, these rules define the powers of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha and the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha during proceedings. As a result, Article 118 ensures that Parliament operates with clarity, consistency, and discipline.
Rules of Procedure in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Both Houses of Parliament have framed detailed rules under Article 118. The Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure govern issues such as question hour, zero hour, legislative business, and financial discussions. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha Rules of Procedure regulate debates, motions, and committee work in the Upper House. Although the two sets of rules differ in certain respects due to the distinct nature of the Houses, their core objective remains the same. They aim to promote effective deliberation, protect minority voices, and ensure accountability of the executive. Therefore, Article 118 supports the democratic ethos of Parliament by providing a structured yet flexible framework.
Role of the Presiding Officers
Article 118 indirectly strengthens the authority of presiding officers. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha interpret and enforce the rules made under this Article. Their decisions on procedural matters usually remain final and binding. This authority helps maintain order and prevents procedural chaos during heated debates. At the same time, the rules guide presiding officers in exercising their discretion fairly. Consequently, Article 118 contributes to institutional stability within Parliament.
Judicial Review and Article 118
Although Article 118 grants autonomy to Parliament, it does not place parliamentary procedure completely beyond judicial scrutiny. Courts generally avoid interfering in internal parliamentary matters. However, if a rule or its application violates a constitutional provision, judicial review becomes possible. The Supreme Court has consistently held that procedural irregularities alone do not invalidate parliamentary proceedings unless they involve a substantive constitutional violation. Hence, Article 118 operates within the broader constitutional framework and respects the principle of constitutional supremacy.
Significance of Article 118 in Parliamentary Democracy
The importance of Article 118 lies in its practical impact on governance. It allows Parliament to function efficiently without constant constitutional amendments. It also ensures that legislative procedures remain responsive to evolving democratic needs. By enabling Parliament to frame and amend its own rules, Article 118 reinforces legislative sovereignty in procedural matters. Additionally, it promotes transparency and predictability in parliamentary business, which strengthens public trust in democratic institutions.
Conclusion
Article 118 serves as the backbone of parliamentary procedure in India. It empowers each House of Parliament to regulate its internal functioning while maintaining constitutional discipline. Through this provision, the Constitution strikes a balance between flexibility and structure, autonomy and accountability. As a result, Article 118 ensures that Parliament remains an effective forum for debate, legislation, and oversight. Understanding this Article provides valuable insight into how constitutional principles translate into everyday legislative practice in India.
