The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

India follows responsible government: the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, yet cabinet predominance can narrow Parliament’s effective scrutiny.

How marginalisation occurs

• Party whips and anti-defection rules constrain independent voting and debate by legislators.
• Government control over legislative agenda, delegated legislation and the Finance Bill process concentrates initiative in the executive.
• Ordinances, guillotining of demands and frequent disruptions reduce deliberative time.
• Cabinet committees and the Prime Minister’s Office centralise policy coordination within the executive.

Constitutional checks and reforms

• Question Hour, committees, no-confidence motions, budgetary control and judicial review remain important checks.
• Refer bills more consistently to committees, protect opposition time, strengthen research support and enforce attendance and debate norms.
• Parliamentary supremacy must mean accountable executive government, not institutional conflict.

Keywords: collective responsibility, anti-defection, delegated legislation, parliamentary committees, executive accountability.