Vol. 12 · pages 721–725

700 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES to study every part of it historically. All past is of no moment to the present. Only the part of the present need be adverted to, and that is what I propose to do when any particular question requires historical treatment for its proper understanding. [We have not received any other essay on this subject—ed.] zz

2 NOTES ON PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Forms of Procedure are determined by functions of a body. The important functions of a Parliamentary Body are : (1) Power to express an opinion on and criticize any executive action. (2) Power to have Laws. (3) Power to provide money for carrying on the administration. I. Power to express an opinion on or criticize any action taken by the Executive. Rules of Business permit: 1. to ask Questions. 2. to move Resolutions. 3. to move an adjournment of the House. 4. to move a motion of want of confidence in the Government. (1) Power to ask Questions. Rule 7 This is subject to the following restrictions. Arrangement of Business I. Order of precedence. 1. Questions 1 hour : 1/2 hour during voting of demands. 2. Bills. 3. Motions to amend Standing Orders. 4. Resolutions. President may give priority to any item. II. Priority with regard to Bills, Motions and Resolutions. (i) Bills and Motions The most advanced have priority over the less advanced.

702 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES (ii) Resolutions Priority is determined by Ballot. Quorum 25 members in Bombay. President shall adjourn to next day if there is no Quorum. Rule 27. The Budget is dealt with in two stages. (i) a general discussion ; and (ii) the voting of demands for grants. Governor may allot as many days as he likes for general discussion. No motion is to be made Nor the Budget to be submitted to the vote of the Council when the General discussion is going on. Rule 29. Voting of Grants. Not more than twelve days shall be allotted by the Governor for the voting of the demands. Not more than 2 days for any demand. On the last appointed day the President shall forthwith put every Question necessary to dispose of all outstanding matters in connection with the demands for grants. Rule 30. No motion for appropriation can be made except on the recommendation of the Governor communicated to the Council. Motions may be moved to reduce any grant or to omit or reduce any item in a grant, but not to increase or alter the destination of the grant. Rule 31. Excess Grants (Left blank by the author—ed.) Rule 32. Supplementary or additional grant. When the amount falls short When need arises of provision of new source. Public Accounts Committee Rule 33. Constitution of Public Accounts Committee. (Left blank by the author—ed.)

703MISCELLANEOUS NOTES Rule 34. Duties of the Public Accounts Committee : (1) To satisfy itself that money is spent within the scope of the demand and to bring to the notice. Conduct of Business This is regulated by the Standing Orders. I. Council Session 1. The Council can meet only at a time or place apppointed by the Governor by notification. 2. Session is prorogued by the order of the Governor. 3. The Council shall sit on such days and at such times as the President shall direct. Effect of Prorogation On prorogation all pending notices shall lapse and fresh notices must be given for the next Session except in the following cases : (1) Question These are carried over to (2) Statutory motions the list of Business for (3) Bills introduced the next Session. (4) Motion to amend Standing Orders which have been referred to a Select Committee. Procedure With regard to I. Question Shall be put and answers given in such manner as the President may, in his discretion, determine. II. Motion for Adjournment 30 members to rise 4 O’clock for the purpose of discussing the motion. Debate shall terminate at 6 p.m. and thereafter no question respecting the motion shall be put.

704 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES III. Bills (1) Four Stages 1. Introduction. Asking the leave of the House. 2. First Reading 3. Second Reading 4. Third Reading (1) Constitution of Australia. Sec. 49. (2) Constitution of Canada. Sec. 18. (3) Constitution of South Africa. Sec. 57. There is no Section in the Government of India Act which gives any privilege to the Legislature. The Government of India Act confers only two privileges upon members of the Legislature. I. Freedom of Speech. Sep. 67(7). There shall be freedom of speech in both chambers of the Indian Legislature. No person shall be liable to any proceedings in any Court by reason of his speech or vote in either chamber or by anything contained in any official report of the proceedings of either chamber. Sec. 72 D (7). There shall be freedom of speech in the Governor’s Legislative Council. No person shall be liable to any proceedings in any Court by reason of his speech or vote in any such Council, or by reason of anything contained in any official report of the proceedings of any such Council. This privilege of Freedom of Speech is subject to two restrictions. (1) Standing orders. (2) Official report.