Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the role of the President in granting pardons and commuting sentences under Article 72 of the Indian Constitution. Thesis Statement: State that the lack of a specified time limit for deciding mercy petitions has led ...
Model Answer Introduction The size of a cabinet is crucial in determining the efficacy of a government. It is often argued that the cabinet should be as large as necessary to manage governmental work effectively and as manageable as the Prime Minister can oversee. However, the relationship between cRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The size of a cabinet is crucial in determining the efficacy of a government. It is often argued that the cabinet should be as large as necessary to manage governmental work effectively and as manageable as the Prime Minister can oversee. However, the relationship between cabinet size and government efficacy is complex and multifaceted.
Advantages of a Larger Cabinet
A larger cabinet can enhance decision-making by incorporating diverse perspectives, which is particularly important in a multicultural society like India. For instance, during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2014, a larger cabinet was formed to accommodate various coalition partners, ensuring representation from different regions and social groups. This inclusivity potentially led to more comprehensive policy-making, as each minister could focus on specific areas of governance.
Disadvantages of a Larger Cabinet
Despite these advantages, a larger cabinet can hinder efficiency. As the number of ministers increases, coordination becomes more challenging, leading to blurred responsibilities and delayed decision-making. Historical examples illustrate this point: the first cabinet of independent India, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, consisted of only 15 ministers, allowing for swift and effective decision-making during a critical period. In contrast, larger cabinets, such as those during the United Front government in the mid-1990s, were often criticized for their sluggishness and inefficiency.
The 91st Amendment to the Constitution of India, enacted in 2003, sought to address the issue of oversized cabinets by limiting the total number of ministers to 15% of the Lok Sabha’s total membership, reflecting a recognition of the need for balance between representation and efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a larger cabinet can promote inclusivity and representation, it may also lead to inefficiencies that undermine government efficacy. The ideal cabinet size should strike a balance between these competing needs, as evidenced by Narendra Modi’s first term (2014-2019), where a smaller cabinet was able to function effectively. Ultimately, the relationship between cabinet size and government efficacy is influenced by various factors, including political context and the Prime Minister’s leadership style.
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Model Answer Introduction The President of India holds the constitutional authority to grant pardons and commute sentences under Article 72 of the Indian Constitution. However, the absence of a specified time limit for deciding mercy petitions has led to significant delays, often resulting in publicRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The President of India holds the constitutional authority to grant pardons and commute sentences under Article 72 of the Indian Constitution. However, the absence of a specified time limit for deciding mercy petitions has led to significant delays, often resulting in public outcry and debates about justice, particularly in cases involving death sentences.
Arguments for a Time Limit
Right to Speedy Justice
One of the primary arguments for establishing a time limit is the right to speedy justice, which is enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution. Delays in deciding mercy petitions can infringe upon this right, leaving convicts in a state of uncertainty and distress.
Humanitarian Concerns
Long delays can exacerbate the mental anguish experienced by convicts awaiting a decision on their fate, a phenomenon often referred to as the “death row phenomenon.” This psychological toll raises ethical concerns about the prolonged suffering of individuals facing execution.
Arguments Against a Time Limit
Complexity of Cases
Opponents of a time limit argue that cases involving capital punishment are inherently complex and require thorough consideration. The decision to grant a pardon or commute a death sentence carries irreversible consequences, necessitating adequate time for review.
Political Implications
Additionally, the political ramifications of mercy petitions can be significant. Imposing a time limit may rush the decision-making process, potentially leading to hasty conclusions that do not fully consider the nuances of each case.
Case Example
The case of Devender Pal Singh Bhullar, whose mercy petition was pending for over eight years before rejection, exemplifies the issue of delay. The Supreme Court of India ruled in 2014 that inordinate delays in deciding mercy petitions could be grounds for commutation of a death sentence, highlighting the need for timely justice.
Conclusion
While the need for speedy justice and alleviating the suffering of convicts is paramount, it is equally important to allow sufficient time for comprehensive case reviews. A balanced approach, possibly through the establishment of guidelines for reasonable timeframes, could help address these competing concerns without imposing rigid requirements.
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