Centre May Convene Special Parliament Session to Push Women's Reservation and Delimitation

The Centre is considering convening a special session of Parliament ahead of the regularly scheduled Winter Session to advance its legislative agenda on delimitation of electoral constituencies and the implementation of women's reservation. According to government sources, the proposed session could provide the last opportunity to facilitate the implementation of the women's quota before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Under the ordinary parliamentary calendar, Parliament meets for three sessions annually: the Budget Session, Monsoon Session and Winter Session. However, the Constitution does not prescribe fixed dates for these sessions. Instead, Article 85 requires that no more than six months elapse between two sessions of Parliament.

The decision to convene a parliamentary session rests with the government and is taken by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. The decision is subsequently formalised by the President, who summons Members of Parliament to attend the session.

The Budget Session, generally held between January and April or early May, is the longest parliamentary session. It is followed by the Monsoon Session, usually conducted between July and August, and the Winter Session, which generally takes place between November and December.

An unusual parliamentary situation has also emerged this year. The Monsoon Session, adjourned sine die on August 13, had not been formally prorogued as of November 12. This has resulted in an unprecedented 91-day gap, allowing Parliament to be reconvened without the usual advance notice, according to government sources.

What the Constitution Says About Special Sessions

The Constitution does not explicitly use the term 'special session'. However, governments have historically convened special sittings for specific legislative purposes or significant national occasions.

Article 85 empowers the President to summon Parliament, while established convention generally provides around 15 days' notice for regular sessions. Special sessions can be called at shorter notice. Additionally, if a session has been adjourned sine die but not prorogued, the Lok Sabha can be reconvened at short notice under Rule 15 of its Rules of Procedure.

The Constitution also refers to a 'special sitting of the House' under Article 352, concerning the proclamation of Emergency. This provision was introduced through the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978, to strengthen parliamentary safeguards against the misuse of emergency powers.

The proposed special session could therefore provide the government an opportunity to advance key legislative measures concerning electoral delimitation and women's representation in Parliament.