“The 31-member multi-party panel, featuring senior MPs like Prasad and Owaisi, and chaired by Sarangi, aims to foster reasoned legislative dialogue and scrutiny amid political polarization.”
The decision to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine three critical Bills—the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025—marks an important moment in India’s democratic process. At a time when national discourse is often polarised and parliamentary proceedings frequently disrupted, the formation of this 31-member multi-party panel offers a structured space for dialogue, scrutiny and reasoned legislative evaluation. The presence of MPs from diverse political backgrounds, including senior parliamentarians like Ravi Shankar Prasad, Bhartruhari Mahtab, Supriya Sule and Asaduddin Owaisi, under the chairpersonship of Aparajita Sarangi, reflects an intent to bring political experience and institutional memory to the table. Yet, the absence of key opposition parties such as the Congress, TMC, SP and DMK is a reminder that consensus-building remains a challenge in the current political climate. The Bills under review are not routine legislative business; they carry the potential to reshape administrative structures and constitutional provisions affecting Jammu & Kashmir and other Union Territories. Such legislation demands deep deliberation, careful assessment of its long-term implications, and the ability to engage constructively with competing viewpoints. It is precisely for this reason that a JPC becomes vital. Unlike hurried floor debates, which often suffer due to disruption or political grandstanding, a parliamentary committee allows clause-by-clause scrutiny, expert consultations, and bipartisan engagement. But a committee can only function optimally when all major political voices participate. The opposition’s choice to stay out may weaken the diversity of perspectives at a time when national interest requires collective responsibility over point-scoring.
“The JPC’s recommendations will be vital for reimagining governance in Union Territories and setting a precedent for delicate, bipartisan engagement in Parliament. The committee must operate with diligence, transparency, and constitutional responsibility to restore Parliament’s credibility and honor the principles of lawmaking and deliberation in democracy.”
The context becomes even more significant as the winter session of Parliament approaches. With President Droupadi Murmu approving the dates—December 1 to 19—there is little room for legislative drift. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has already indicated that this session will be crucial, and Speaker Om Birla has reiterated the need for smooth proceedings. His remark that “systematic stalling weakens democratic traditions” serves as both a warning and a plea. Parliamentary democracy thrives on disagreement, but it collapses when disagreement becomes disruption. The onus now lies on all parties to convert this session into a meaningful space for debate rather than yet another casualty of political confrontation. Ultimately, the JPC’s work will be a test of political maturity. How it handles the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill will be closely watched, given the region’s sensitive history and evolving administrative framework. Its recommendations will shape not only how governance in the Union Territories is reimagined but also how Parliament responds to issues that require delicate, long-term, bipartisan engagement. The committee must therefore act with diligence, transparency and a spirit of constitutional responsibility. As India prepares for a packed winter session, the formation of this JPC offers a chance to restore some of the credibility and seriousness that Parliament has often been accused of losing. Lawmaking is the backbone of democracy; deliberation is its soul. It is time for the political class to honour both.
editor@thekashmirhorizon
