Arrest, debate, vote count: How US Congress and other parliaments ensure their members’ presence

In 1988, Republican senator Bob Packwood was arrested and carried into the US Senate to achieve quorum.

Chakshu Roy

· Sep 12, 2017 · 12:30 pm

Parliament attendance on most days is 70%. So, what explains the empty benches during sessions?

Lack of incentives for MPs to participate in legislative debate lies behind the Houses being adjourned without doing business.

Chakshu Roy

· Sep 11, 2017 · 07:30 am

This monsoon session is an urgent reminder of long overdue reforms of India’s parliamentary calendar

The government’s legislative agenda was declared only on Sunday, July 16.

Chakshu Roy

· Jul 17, 2017 · 06:30 pm

Political crises in Tamil Nadu, three other states expose the shortcomings of the anti-defection law

The 1985 law was to pave the way for clean politics, but has instead taken a toll on our legislative and political systems.

Chakshu Roy

· Feb 26, 2017 · 10:30 am

Parliament had full attendance and passed many bills this session – but that is not enough

Six of the ten bills were not even examined by a parliamentary standing committee, while some were passed without any or adequate debate.

Chakshu Roy

· Aug 12, 2016 · 03:45 pm