Govt Can Reconvene Parliament At 2 Days' Notice: Official
Both Houses were adjourned sine die on August 13, but the session has not been formally terminated through prorogation, leaving open the possibility of an extended sitting.
New Delhi: Amid speculation that the government may reconvene Parliament to push through legislation linking delimitation with women's reservation, a senior official on Thursday said an extended sitting could be convened at just two days' notice as the Monsoon Session has not been prorogued.
Both Houses were adjourned sine die on August 13, but the session has not been formally terminated through prorogation, leaving open the possibility of an extended sitting.
The government is reportedly considering bringing back the proposed constitutional amendment to facilitate the early implementation of women's reservation, rather than waiting for the Winter Session.
The legislation failed to secure the required majority in the Lok Sabha during an extended sitting of the Budget Session in April.
"If a session is prorogued, a minimum 14-day notice is needed to call the next session.
If the session is not prorogued, then an extended sitting can be convened in two days," the official said.
Asked about the delay in proroguing the Monsoon Session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla told a press conference that the provisions of Article 85 of the Constitution were being followed.
Article 85 governs the summoning and prorogation of Parliament and dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
The delay in prorogation has fuelled speculation about the government's legislative plans.
However, such delays are not unprecedented.
In the past, the interval between adjournment sine die and prorogation has extended to 87 days.
Other instances include 76 days in 1987, 54 days in 1989, 49 days each in 2006 and 2013, and 41 days in 1963.
