WHIP

Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Context: The Supreme Court said that the "whip" binds Members of a House, and if any MLAs within a political party that is part of a ruling coalition indicate they do not wish to support the alliance, the MLAs will be disqualified.

Whip

The office of ‘whip’ is mentioned neither in the Indian Constitution nor in the Rules of the House nor in a Parliamentary Statute.
- It is based on the conventions of the parliamentary government.

Every political party, whether ruling or Opposition has its whip in the Parliament.
- He is appointed by the political party to serve as an assistant floor leader.
He is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the attendance of his party members in large numbers and securing their support in favour of or against a particular issue.
- He regulates and monitors their behaviour in the Parliament.
- The members are supposed to follow the directives given by the whip. Otherwise, disciplinary action can be taken.

Types of Whips

The One-line whip is issued to inform the members about a vote. It allows a member to abstain in case they decide not to follow the party line.
The Two-line whip is issued to direct the members to be present in the House at the time of voting. No special instructions are given on the pattern of voting.
The Three-line whip is issued to members directing them to vote as per the party line. It is the strictest of all the whips.

Functions of Whip

He maintains order among party representatives in the House.
He is tasked with making sure that his party's members show up in big numbers and win their support for or opposition to a certain cause.
He observes the indications of discontent among Parliamentarians and alerts the appropriate party leaders.
He serves as the party's unifying force and is in charge of preserving the internal party structure in the Parliament.
He is essential to the effective and efficient running of the business on the House floor.

Violation of whip

If an MP violates his party’s whip, he faces dismissal from the House under the Anti-Defection Act.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following Statements;

1. The office of ‘whip’ is mentioned in the Indian Constitution.

2. Every political party has its whip in the Parliament.

Which of the following Statement is/are correct?

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The office of ‘whip’ is mentioned neither in the Indian Constitution nor in the Rules of the House nor in a Parliamentary Statute. It is based on the conventions of the parliamentary government.

Statement 2 is correct: Every political party, whether ruling or Opposition has its whip in the Parliament.