India’s Parliament, the bedrock of its democracy, is being undermined by relentless disruptions. The recent Monsoon Session of 2025, plagued by protests and adjournments, highlights a crisis that demands urgent reform. These disruptions inflict severe political and financial costs, eroding governance and public trust.
Every minute of parliamentary paralysis costs taxpayers ₹2.5 lakh, with just three days of chaos in the latest session wasting over ₹23 crore. This squanders public money and fuels disillusionment with elected representatives. When sessions descend into shouting matches, bills—some as critical as constitutional amendments—are passed with scant debate, bypassing scrutiny and weakening the legislative process. This undermines Parliament’s role as a deliberative body and marginalizes dissent.
The political fallout is equally damaging. Disruptions deepen the divide between government and opposition, replacing dialogue with accusations and protests over issues like electoral rolls or national security. Speaker Om Birla has condemned this cycle, noting it erodes public respect for Parliament. Citizens, frustrated by dysfunction, are demanding accountability, with calls to deduct MPs’ salaries for wasted sessions. Why should taxpayers bear the cost of lawmakers’ failures?
This dysfunction threatens democracy itself. Hasty legislation, lack of oversight, and polarized politics stifle constructive opposition and bipartisan cooperation. The public deserves a Parliament that works—where ideas are debated, not drowned out by chaos.
Reform is non-negotiable. Stricter rules to curb disruptions, mandatory debate time for major bills, and stronger bipartisan committees could restore Parliament’s purpose. The government must foster inclusive dialogue, while the opposition should prioritize substantive critique over theatrics. Media and civil society must amplify public demand for accountability, ensuring legislators prioritize governance over grandstanding.
Parliamentary disruptions are more than an inconvenience—they betray the democratic ideals India holds dear. Lawmakers must act to rebuild trust, ensuring Parliament functions as a forum for debate, not discord. The nation cannot afford the mounting costs of a broken system. Reform now, or risk further eroding the foundation of our democracy.
