New Delhi, Nov 9 : Parliament’s Monsoon Session has remained unprorogued for a record 88 days after both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned indefinitely on August 13. This has surpassed the previous record of 87 days, set in 2008.
As of Monday morning, neither House had been formally prorogued, keeping open the possibility of Parliament meeting again at short notice under the existing session.
Government Keeps Monsoon Session Open
The government’s decision not to formally end the Monsoon Session has triggered speculation about a possible special sitting of Parliament. The discussion centres on a proposed constitutional amendment linked to the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill.
The proposed amendment seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from the existing 543 seats to a maximum of 850 through delimitation.
A special or extended sitting within the existing session requires a minimum notice of two days. However, calling a fresh session of Parliament requires at least 14 days’ notice.
Earlier Constitutional Amendment Bill Failed
The issue has gained importance because a similar Constitution Amendment Bill failed to secure the required support in the Lok Sabha during a special sitting of the Budget Session on April 17.
Keeping the Monsoon Session unprorogued could allow the government to convene Parliament again without following the longer notice period required for a fresh session.
No Constitutional Deadline for Prorogation
The Indian Constitution does not prescribe a specific time limit for proroguing a House after it has been adjourned sine die, or indefinitely.
Therefore, keeping a Parliament session unprorogued for an extended period does not automatically amount to a constitutional or procedural violation.
Previous Records of Parliament Remaining Unprorogued
Parliament’s latest 88-day period has broken the previous record set in 2008. Historical records show several other instances of extended gaps between adjournment and prorogation.
- 2008: 87 days
- 1987: 76 days
- 1989: 54 days
- 2006: 49 days
- 2013: 49 days
- 1963: 41 days
In 2008, the Lok Sabha met for two days, July 21 and 22, to discuss a no-confidence motion against the then UPA government.
The House was subsequently kept unprorogued and reconvened on October 17. It was adjourned again on October 24, with plans to meet on December 10.
The current 88-day period has now set a new record, while attention remains focused on whether the government will convene another sitting of Parliament to discuss the proposed constitutional amendment.
