Introduction to Model Parliament

Law Tryst’s Model Parliament is an academic simulation of the INDIAN PARLIAMENT. It is an

initiative to engage youth in healthy discourse and expose them to current events, topics in national
relations, diplomacy and concerning agendas.

The participants here will be representing various political parties from the ruling coalition and the
opposition debating key issues facing the nation. It is an opportunity for those who wish to see
India change, to interact with other like-minded youth, and set the stage for a future Indian
Government. We attempt to make youth of our country understand Parliamentary Procedures and
aim to give a chance to the aspiring young leaders to present their views on Government Dogma
and discuss the challenges faced by India today in various fields ranging from law and order,
economic and social progress, to foreign policy and international relations.

The participants shall take the role of Members of Parliament, representing the spectrum of Indian
politics viz. political parties, forming part of the ruling coalition (treasury benches) or the
opposition.

Rules of Procedure

SR. NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

1. Agenda 3

2. Eligibility 3

3. Chamber Seating 3

4. Language 4

5. Statements from the house 4

6. Discussion hour 4

7. Question hour 5

8. Zero hour 8

9. Privilege motion 9
10. Anti-defection law/Anti-defection 9
motion

11. Privileges to the Hon’ble Member 9

of Parliament
 12. Consideration for drawing up the 10
winners

13. Important points to be kept in 10

mind

14. Disclaimer 13

General Rules
1. Agenda
The theme for this year’s fest is “THE ELECTION YEAR” and accordingly, the agenda of the
House will be related to the theme. The agenda shall be made available to the participants in the
month of February. Other issues of national importance will also be allowed to be raised and
discussed in Discussion Hour, Question Hour and Zero Hour (rules mentioned below) at the
discretion of the Speaker.

2. Eligibility
● Students enrolled in 3 year or 5 year law course.
● Participants have to enroll individually and not in teams/groups.
Note: There will be a Training/Orientation Session for all the Members of Parliament wherein
they will undergo the process of Political Party Selection and other important discussions on the
first day of the Fest after its Inauguration.

3. Chamber Seating
The lay-out of the Chamber of the Model Parliament will resemble as far as possible the lay-out
of the Chamber of Lok Sabha. There will be a dividing space in front of the Speaker’s rostrum.
On the left of the rostrum are the seats for the opposition and on the right are the seats for the
Government benches. Slightly raised above the Chamber of the Model Parliament is the gallery
for the visitors, the ‘Press’, the ‘diplomats’ and the ‘distinguished visitors’ etc.
Note:
• Participation can represent Secular, Right, Left, Minority or Independent Parties.
• Choice of parties is limited and shall be given on first come, first serve basis only.
• No two participants from the same college can be in the same party.
Formal Sitting:
Before the formal sitting of the House begins, members occupy their seats and wait for the
Speaker to come to the House. The scene that one observes is that of informal atmosphere.
Members talk among themselves, exchanging greetings and pleasantries. The Model Parliament
should try to enact this informal scene before the arrival of the Speaker.
Like the practice obtaining in the Lok Sabha, the session of Model Parliament will start with the
arrival of the Speaker which is announced by the Marshal who first comes in the House to
ascertain whether there is quorum in the House which should be at least 10 per cent of total
membership of the House.
As soon as the Speaker arrives in the Chamber, Marshal will announce his arrival with the words
“Hon. Members, the Hon. Speaker” Thereafter the entire House stands up.
The Speaker before taking his seat first bows to his left, then to his right and then in front of him.
The Members from the respective sides also respectfully bow to the chair before taking their
seats.
4. Language
English and Hindi shall be the official working languages of the Proceedings. No representative may
address the forum or submit a document in a language other than English and Hindi.

Courtesy:
All delegates must show courtesy and respect to the Chairpersons, committee staff, advisors and
fellow representatives. The chairperson will immediately call to order any delegate who fails to
comply with this rule.