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Private bills to amend constitution

8th February, 2022

Figure 2: No Copyright Infringement Intended

Context:

  • The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha stated that it was up to the House to consider a private member's bill modifying the Constitution's Preamble, and that the Chair could not rule on the matter.

 

About the Issue:

  • A Rajya Sabha member proposed a Private Member bill to change the word "Socialist" with "Equitable” in the Preamble.
  • K.J. Alphons, a member, has claimed that the name "socialist" has "political overtones" and historical baggage that a huge segment of India does not find acceptable.

Opposition of the bill:

  • The motion to introduce a Bill on the subject was opposed by members of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
  • They maintained that because the Preamble is a part of the Constitution's core structure, the Bill should not be allowed to be introduced.
  • Opposition lawmakers also cited Rule 62 (2) of the Rules of Procedure, claiming that a bill that has not had the President's prior sanction or recommendation cannot be tabled in the House.

Decision of Deputy Chairman:

  • If the House so desires, a bill to change the Constitution's Preamble can be submitted, although the Chair does not have the authority to do so.
  • There have been times in the past when Private Members' Bills to modify the Preamble have been introduced.

About Private Member Bill:

  • A private member of parliament (MP) is a member of parliament who is not a minister.
  • Private Member's Bills are bills introduced by private members of Parliament.