Question

Much of India's law-making process has been outside the scrutiny of ordinary people. They

are not framed by legislators or even senior bureaucrats but are often drafts prepared by

babus. Sometimes, powerful business interests influence these laws (like the Special

Economic Zone Act) and then they are passed in Parliament with little or no discussion.

Sometimes, a popular public demand enters the discourse of a political party and takes the

shape of policy and legislation. However, the desire of citizens to participate in the framing

of law and policy has intensified over the years, and their voice needs to be included in

democratic decision making. With growing interest in governance, citizens may suggest

policy and legislation and such deliberations will only strengthen constitutional processes.

Actual consultation on draft legislation and policy require a detailed discussion of the

principles, framework and formulation of specifics. These consultations will provoke

multiple views and it is important for the institutional framework to assimilate and

consider them. Any group placing its views in the public domain cannot claim total

representation. There will be criticism and those need to be resolved.

II. However, assemblies of people can only support the need for legislation. Surveys and votes

by raising hands are important to register support for the general idea but cannot be the

basis for detailed drafting of law and its constituent parts. The principles and framework of

any legislation must be debated and the erroneous conclusion that any difference of

opinion is tantamount to malafide intent needs to be questioned. It is in any case only of

peripheral importance, as the issues themselves need to be addressed. This applies to laws

made both by the formal and informal structures. Many democracies in the world already

have started placing policy and draft laws in the public domain before they are sent to the

government, cabinet and then Parliament. The deliberative consultative process is for

everyone but focuses more on people who are most affected by the legislation. The policy

and the sharing of frameworks are followed by a draft of the bill itself. All this is done

within a time frame. The nascent process of participation of citizens in shaping legislation

in the last two decades will find systemic space and democratic credibility.​

Answer 1

Answer:

What Should I Do with This

Explanation:

You Are Great

Answer 2

Answer:

why is consultation on draft legislation and policy important