Mathura MP Hema Malini has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding alleged denial of permission for cultural events in West Bengal.
The MP termed the situation as 'cultural fascism' and highlighted its adverse impact on artists and cultural practitioners.
The letter underscores the mechanism through which Members of Parliament bring state-level grievances to central parliamentary authorities.
This issue touches upon fundamental rights related to freedom of expression and the role of parliamentary oversight.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, responsible for maintaining order and decorum, interpreting the Constitution and rules of the House, and safeguarding the rights and privileges of members.
An elected representative of a parliamentary constituency (Lok Sabha) or a state (Rajya Sabha), whose primary duty is to represent their constituents' interests and participate in legislative and oversight functions.
This fundamental right guarantees citizens the freedom to express their views, opinions, and beliefs freely, which includes artistic and cultural forms of expression. Alleged denial of cultural events could be seen as impinging on this right.
This right is relevant for artists and cultural practitioners whose livelihood depends on performing and organizing cultural events. Restrictions could affect their ability to practice their profession.
While an MP raises an issue with the Lok Sabha Speaker, the subject matter pertains to the administration of a state, highlighting the interplay and potential friction points in India's federal structure.
The core of the grievance relates to the alleged curtailment of cultural activities, directly linking to the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
The act of an MP writing to the Speaker to highlight an issue is a form of parliamentary oversight, where elected representatives bring public grievances to the attention of the highest legislative body.
GS-II: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these; Fundamental Rights.
General Awareness: Indian Polity & Constitution (Speaker of Lok Sabha, Fundamental Rights, MPs).
General Awareness: Current Affairs, basic Indian Polity.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Current Affairs.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Current Affairs.
With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: 1. As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix. 2. There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party. 3. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House and no appeal lies against his rulings. 4. The well established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: 1 and 3 only
Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State. 2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following statements: 1. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the Assembly. 2. Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/her office immediately. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 only
High for UPSC (conceptual and analytical questions on polity), Medium for SSC/Banking/Railway (factual questions).
The presiding officer of the lower house of the Indian Parliament, responsible for conducting its business.
An elected representative in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, representing a constituency or state.
A term used to describe a situation where cultural activities are suppressed or controlled, often by a dominant political ideology or authority.
A fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, allowing citizens to express their views freely.