New Book Chronicles Rise and Decline of Private Members’ Bills in Indian Parliament
New Delhi, May 18 — A new chapter in Indian legislative history has come into focus, highlighting how the early years of Parliament witnessed an unparalleled surge in legislative activity through Private Members’ Bills (PMBs). Between 1952 and 1970, 14 such bills were enacted into law — a period now described as the "golden era" for PMBs.This insight is drawn from Democratic Contestations and Legislative Process in India, a new book authored by Rajya Sabha Joint Secretary Raghab P Dash. The book explores the dynamics of the executive-legislature relationship and underlines how Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s inclusive leadership fostered a culture of meaningful parliamentary debate and legislative contribution from individual MPs.
A Parliamentary Tradition That Faded After 1970
Private Members’ Bills — legislative proposals introduced by MPs who are not ministers — rarely become law. Yet, the first two decades after Independence were an exception. Dash reveals that 14 PMBs were enacted from 1952 to 1970, constituting nearly half of all such bills discussed up to 2014.Of these, nine originated in the Lok Sabha and five in the Rajya Sabha. Except for two Independent MPs, all sponsors belonged to the ruling Congress party. Notably, no opposition MP has ever had a PMB enacted into law.
The final successful PMB was passed on November 15, 1968. Since then, no private member’s bill has been made into the statute book.
Nehru’s Parliamentary Approach Encouraged Dialogue
Dash credits Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership for this vibrant legislative phase. Despite commanding overwhelming majorities, Nehru encouraged opposition voices and ensured parliamentary time for PMBs. He even personally participated in debates, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.The book references key bills where Nehru engaged directly:
- Indian Cattle Preservation Bill, 1952 by Seth Govind Das (Congress)
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill, 1953 by Rukmini Devi Arundale (Independent)
- Indian Converts (Regulation and Registration) Bill, 1954 by Jethalal Harikrishna Joshi (Congress)
Topics Ranged From Waqf to Women’s Welfare
The subjects of these PMBs were diverse, spanning Waqf law, women and children’s welfare, archaeology, insurance, and criminal justice reform.Significant examples include:
- Muslim Wakfs Bill, 1952, the first PMB enacted, introduced by Syed Mohammad Ahmed (Congress)
- Proceedings of Parliament (Protection of Publication) Bill, 1956 by Feroze Gandhi (Congress)
- Women's and Children's Institutions (Licensing) Bill, 1954 by Rajmata Kamlendu Mati Shah (Independent)
- Enlargement of Appellate (Criminal) Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court Bill, 1968 by Anand Narain Mulla (Independent)
PMBs in Recent Years: High Numbers, Low Impact
Despite the symbolic significance of PMBs, their practical influence has sharply declined. According to PRS Legislative Research:- Sixteenth Lok Sabha: 999 PMBs introduced, fewer than 10 discussed
- Seventeenth Lok Sabha: 729 PMBs in Lok Sabha (2 discussed), 705 in Rajya Sabha (14 discussed)
“Admittedly, the PMB, as a legislative procedure, has not been able to enlarge the scope of private members in the sphere of legislation,” the book remarks.
As contemporary debates around parliamentary democracy intensify, this historical reflection offers a timely reminder of the transformative power of inclusivity and legislative openness in shaping a vibrant democracy.