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The Indian Parliament, specifically the Lok Sabha, recently held an extended session that lasted for an impressive 15 hours and 41 minutes. This marathon sitting was primarily dedicated to clearing the controversial Waqf Bill and adopting a Statutory Resolution concerning the President's Rule in the state of Manipur. The length of the session has sparked discussions and comparisons to previous parliamentary sittings, particularly in the context of significant legislative debates and political decisions. The Waqf Bill, which aims to amend existing laws related to Waqf properties (properties dedicated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law), proved to be a contentious issue, leading to a prolonged debate and extensive voting procedures. The resolution on President's Rule in Manipur, a state grappling with ongoing unrest and political instability, also contributed to the extended session. The late-night sitting underscores the critical nature of these issues and the commitment of the Parliament to address them, albeit amidst some opposition concerns regarding the timing and handling of the proceedings. The length of the session invites scrutiny and analysis regarding its effectiveness, the quality of debate, and its impact on the overall legislative process.
The Waqf Bill's passage was a central focus of the lengthy session. The bill, designed to amend existing Waqf laws, ignited a heated debate that spanned approximately 12 hours before culminating in a vote of 288 in favor and 232 against. The voting process alone consumed 1 hour and 49 minutes, highlighting the complexity and contentious nature of the legislation. Members of the ruling NDA (National Democratic Alliance) vehemently defended the bill, asserting that it would benefit minority communities. Conversely, opposition members criticized the bill, characterizing it as "anti-Muslim," which fueled the intensity of the debate. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, however, was passed quickly, suggesting differing levels of contention for different related legislations. The debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill commenced shortly after noon on Wednesday and extended well into the early hours of Thursday, concluding at 1:56 AM. This late-night resolution emphasizes the determination of the government to push through its legislative agenda, despite the concerns raised by the opposition. Sixty Members of Parliament (MPs) actively participated in the Waqf Bill debate, including the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill on Wednesday and subsequently responded to the various discussions and points raised.
Furthermore, the Lok Sabha considered and approved amendments made by the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian Parliament) to the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, immediately before deliberating on the Waqf Bill. The Question Hour, a designated time for MPs to pose questions to government ministers, was also conducted during this session. This highlights the multitasking nature of parliamentary proceedings, where diverse legislative and oversight activities are undertaken in a single sitting. Following the resolution of the Waqf Bill, the Lok Sabha shifted its attention to the proclamation of President's Rule in Manipur at approximately 2 AM. The debate on this matter involved eight opposition MPs who spoke for about 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute response from Home Minister Amit Shah. Notably, no members of the ruling NDA spoke on the motion, although the opposition expressed concerns about addressing such a sensitive matter at such a late hour. The government's decision to proceed with the debate despite these objections reflects the urgency attached to the situation in Manipur and the perceived necessity for central government intervention.
Considering the length of the session, questions arise about whether it constitutes the longest sitting in the history of the Lok Sabha. While the 15 hours and 41 minutes is undoubtedly extensive, it does not rank as the longest. Data from PRS Legislative Research indicates that there have been at least five prior sittings that exceeded this duration. The longest recorded sitting occurred in 1997, lasting approximately 20 hours and 8 minutes, during a motion to consider the state of democracy and democratic institutions in India. In 1993, the Lok Sabha sat for 18 hours and 35 minutes during a general discussion on the Railways Budget for the fiscal year 1993-94. Similarly, in 1998, a session lasted for 18 hours and 4 minutes during a discussion on the Railways Budget for 1998-99. In 2002, amid intense political scrutiny, the Lok Sabha dedicated 17 hours and 25 minutes to discuss the failure of the administration to ensure the security of minorities in the country, including in Gujarat, under Rule 184. Another notable extended sitting took place in 1981, lasting approximately 16 hours and 41 minutes, focused on the consideration and passage of the Essential Services Maintenance Bill, 1981. Thus, while this recent parliamentary sitting was protracted, it is not unprecedented in terms of duration.
The extended duration of parliamentary sessions, such as the one described, raises important considerations about the efficiency and effectiveness of legislative processes. While the length of a session does not necessarily correlate with the quality of legislation produced, it can reflect the complexity of the issues under consideration and the intensity of political debate. Long sittings can also place significant demands on the physical and mental endurance of parliamentarians, potentially affecting their ability to participate effectively in debates and decision-making. Critics might argue that such extended sittings could be avoided with better time management and more focused debates. Conversely, proponents may argue that they are necessary to ensure thorough examination of crucial issues and to allow all viewpoints to be heard. Moreover, the context surrounding these extended sessions is also crucial. The 1997 session focused on the 'state of democracy', while the 2002 session addressed 'failure of the administration' reflecting serious concerns warranting longer discussions. Balancing the need for comprehensive debate with the practical constraints of time and the well-being of parliamentarians remains a constant challenge for legislative bodies worldwide. In conclusion, the recent marathon sitting of the Lok Sabha, while notable for its duration, is not the longest in Indian parliamentary history. It highlights the complexities of legislative processes, particularly when dealing with controversial issues such as the Waqf Bill and political challenges such as the situation in Manipur. The session underscores the importance of examining the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings while recognizing the necessity for thorough debate on crucial matters.