Important Provisions of Whip

Not in a Constitution: Neither mentioned in the Constitution nor the Rules of the House and Parliamentary Statute.

But based on the conventions of the parliamentary government.

Type of Whip: There are typically three main types of whip in parliamentary contexts:

• One-Line Whip: The mildest form of whip suggests to members that their attendance for voting is desired but not binding, granting MPs some leeway in their presence.
• Two-Line Whip: A stronger directive, indicating that the party expects its members to be present for the vote. While technically not mandatory, MPs are strongly encouraged to abide by this whip.
• Three-Line Whip: The most stringent form of a whip, a strict instruction to attend and vote in line with the party’s position. Deviating from this directive without permission may result in serious consequences, such as expulsion from the party.

Role and Responsibilities of Parliamentary Whips

Both the ruling as well as opposition parties appoint their whips and certain duties are common to the whips of all parties.

Every political party has its own chief whip and whips in the Parliament (assistant floor leader) whose duties are as below:

• Ensuring the attendance of his party members.
• Securing their support in favor of or against a particular issue.
• Regulates and monitors their behavior in the Parliament.
• He observes any dissatisfaction among MPs and communicates it to the relevant party leaders.
• The members are supposed to follow the directives given by the whip. Otherwise, disciplinary action can be taken.
• The Whips can be rightly said to be the managers of the parties within the legislatures.

The Government Chief Whip

• The most important duty is mapping out the time of the session, coordinating, monitoring and management of the business of the Government.
• Acts as an important communication link between the leader of the House and the Members of the ruling party.
• Keeps in close touch with the whips of the other parties on matters concerning the business of the House and other matters.
• The Chief whip of the government party in the Lok Sabha is the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
• In the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs holds this position.

Whips of the Opposition Parties

• Provide members with all important information and ensure their presence and participation in the House, especially during important discussions and voting.
• Play an equally important role in maintaining the standard of debates at a high level in Parliament/Legislatures.
• They interact with the presiding officers and secretariat of the concerned House on behalf of their parties for efficient coordination.

Facilities for Whips

• Chief Whip of a recognized party or group is entitled to telephone and secretarial facilities under the Leaders and Chief Whips of Recognized Parties and Groups in Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998.

Recognized Party and Recognized Group

• Recognized Party: Has not less than 55 members in the Lok Sabha or 25 members in the Rajya Sabha.
• Recognized Group: Has not less than 30 members in the Lok Sabha or 15 members in the Rajya Sabha.

Anti-Defection Law in India and Whip

• As per the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer based on a petition by any other member.
• The law applies to both Parliament and State Assemblies.
• A legislator is deemed to have defected if they voluntarily give up party membership or disobey the party’s directives on a vote.
• Defying the party whip (abstaining or voting against) on any issue can result in loss of House membership.