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What is a Prorogation?
Grade Level:
Class 7
Law, Civic Literacy, Economics, FinTech, Geopolitics, Personal Finance, Indian Governance
Definition
What is it?
Prorogation is when the President of India officially ends a session of Parliament. It means the sittings of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha are concluded, but the House itself is not dissolved. All pending notices and motions usually lapse, meaning they have to be introduced again.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine your school has its annual Sports Day, which lasts for two weeks. When the two weeks are over, the Principal announces that Sports Day is officially 'prorogued' for the year. This means all the matches, races, and events have finished, but the school itself is still open for regular classes later.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's say the Lok Sabha has been in session for 3 months, discussing new laws and policies. --- Step 1: Members of Parliament (MPs) have introduced many bills and asked questions. --- Step 2: Towards the end of the planned session, the government feels all important business for that period is complete. --- Step 3: The Union Cabinet recommends to the President that the session should be prorogued. --- Step 4: The President of India issues an order, officially proroguing the Lok Sabha session. --- Step 5: All pending notices for questions or motions that were not discussed or passed during this session automatically lapse. --- Answer: The session is now officially over, and a new session will begin later after a break, usually with a fresh start for new business.
Why It Matters
Understanding prorogation helps you grasp how our government functions and makes laws. This knowledge is crucial for future lawyers, civil servants, and even journalists who report on parliamentary proceedings. It's about maintaining order and efficiency in law-making.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Thinking prorogation means the Parliament is permanently closed down. | CORRECTION: Prorogation only ends a session; the Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha) continues to exist and will meet again for the next session.
MISTAKE: Confusing prorogation with dissolution. | CORRECTION: Prorogation ends a session, while dissolution (only for Lok Sabha) ends the entire term of the House, leading to fresh general elections.
MISTAKE: Believing that all bills lapse after prorogation. | CORRECTION: Only pending notices and motions lapse. Bills that have been introduced in either House and are still pending do NOT lapse upon prorogation, unless they were in Lok Sabha and the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: Who has the power to prorogue a session of Parliament in India? | ANSWER: The President of India.
QUESTION: If a Lok Sabha session is prorogued, does it mean new elections will be held soon? | ANSWER: No, prorogation only ends a session. New elections are held only if the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
QUESTION: What happens to a 'calling attention motion' that was pending when the Lok Sabha session was prorogued? | ANSWER: It lapses, meaning it will need to be introduced again in the next session if the MP wishes to pursue it.
MCQ
Quick Quiz
What is the main effect of prorogation on a session of Parliament?
It dissolves the entire Parliament.
It ends the current session of the House.
It forces the government to resign.
It postpones all future sessions indefinitely.
The Correct Answer Is:
B
Prorogation officially brings an end to a session of Parliament, meaning all sittings for that period are concluded. It does not dissolve the Parliament or force the government to resign.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
Every year, after important budget sessions or monsoon sessions, you'll often hear news reports or read in newspapers that the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been 'prorogued' by the President. This is a routine part of how our Parliament manages its schedule and workload.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
SESSION: A period during which a legislative body is convened for the transaction of business. | DISSOLUTION: The act of formally ending a Parliament's term, leading to new elections. | LAPSING: When a bill, motion, or notice becomes invalid or ineffective. | PRESIDENT: The head of state of India, who has constitutional powers related to Parliament.
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Next, you should learn about 'Dissolution of Lok Sabha'. This concept builds on prorogation by explaining a more permanent end to the Lok Sabha's term, which is crucial for understanding India's electoral process.
