Why is it in the news?

• Recently, a five-day special session of Parliament began, with the government unveiling the legislative agenda after prolonged suspense.

More about the news

• Historical Precedents:
  • In 1972, a special session marked 25 years of Independence.
  • A midnight session in 1992 celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Quit India Movement.
  • A six-day special session in 1997 commemorated 50 years of Independence.
  • Separate special sittings were held in 1977 and 1991 for specific issues.
  • A special session in July 2008 included a trust vote after the withdrawal of Left support.
  • The Modi government called a joint midnight session in 2017 for the GST rollout.
  • The upcoming special session from September 18 to 22 will be the second convened by the Modi government, without Question Hour, Zero Hour, or private members’ business.
• Special Sessions:
  • The term ‘special session’ is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution or parliamentary rulebooks.
  • Article 352 refers to a ‘special sitting’ in the context of Emergency proclamation.
  • Special sessions have been called for specific purposes or to mark national events.
  • Examples include sessions in 1947 for Independence, 1962 during the Indo-China war, and 2017 for the GST rollout.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 85 of the Constitution deals with prorogation and dissolution of Parliament.
  • The President must summon the Houses to meet at least once within six months.
  • The interval between two sessions was originally proposed to be three months, but it was retained at six months.
  • B.R Ambedkar expressed concerns that frequent and lengthy sessions might tire the legislators.
• Sessions and Timetables:
  • The Constitution does not provide for a fixed number of sessions or sitting days.
  • Typically, three sessions are held each calendar year: Budget, Monsoon, and Winter sessions.
  • Attempts were made in 1955 to establish a fixed calendar, but it was never implemented.
  • Dates and durations of sessions vary based on the legislative agenda.
• Authority for Calling Sessions:
  • The Central government has the authority to call for a session, determined by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA).
  • The President informs MPs about the session details and business through summons.