The Centre is likely to defer the proposed delimitation and women’s reservation-related Constitution Amendment Bills beyond the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday, the session’s final day, now cancelled.
The move indicates that the government may opt for wider consultations with stakeholders before bringing the legislation back to Parliament. Sources said the government has already secured the two-thirds majority required to pass the delimitation Bill, but has decided to give the proposals more time.
The delimitation exercise is closely linked to the implementation of the women’s reservation law, which provides for reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. The government had been considering amendments to the constitutional framework to facilitate the process.
Opposition protests complicate govt plans
The decision comes amid continued disruptions in Parliament, where the Opposition has been pressing the government on several issues, including police action against protesting students.
The government recently offered to hold a detailed discussion on the students’ protests, with Home Minister Amit Shah expected to respond. However, the Opposition has continued to demand a statement from Shah and has not allowed normal proceedings in the Lok Sabha.
Also read: BJP MPs protest in Parliament over lathi-charge on students
The disruptions have also affected the government’s plans for the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, with the legislation now being referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed scrutiny.
A Constitution Amendment Bill requires a special majority of two-thirds of members present and voting in both Houses. The previous version of the delimitation-related legislation was defeated by the Opposition in April.
The cancellation of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting means there is unlikely to be time for the government to approve a revised Bill before the Monsoon Session concludes on August 13.
The government could instead take up the issue in a later session, including a possible special session. There is also speculation that the Monsoon Session may not be formally prorogued immediately, which would allow the government to reconvene it if required.
The latest developments suggest a shift from an expected last-minute legislative push towards further consultations before the government brings the contentious proposals back to Parliament.
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