Parliament decides for itself how many members must be present for it to hold meetings and make decisions. This number, called the quorum, can be different depending on what Parliament is doing. For example, a vote on a law might need more members than a routine discussion. This rule ensures that important decisions are made with enough lawmakers present, so a small group cannot pass laws on behalf of the whole country.

The quorum of Parliament shall be prescribed by the rules of procedure of Parliament made under <span class="underline-gradient ref" data-tippy-content data-ref="94">Article 94 </span> of this Constitution.

For the avoidance of doubt, the rules of procedure of Parliament may prescribe different quorums for different purposes.

Article 87A creates the Parliamentary Commission, with its composition and functions to be determined by Parliament through law.

Article 88: When Parliament Needs to Meet

<div style='font-weight:600; margin-bottom:12px; padding-bottom:6px'>Rules of procedure in Parliament</div><div style='margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>1</strong> Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may make rules to regulate its own procedure, including the procedure of its committees.<div style='margin-left:16px; margin-top:6px; margin-bottom:4px;'></div><div style='margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>2</strong> Parliament may act notwithstanding a vacancy in its membership.<div style='margin-left:16px; margin-top:6px; margin-bottom:4px;'></div><div style='margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>3</strong> The presence or the participation of a person not entitled to be present or to participate in the proceedings of Parliament shall not, by itself, invalidate those proceedings.<div style='margin-left:16px; margin-top:6px; margin-bottom:4px;'></div><div style='margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>4</strong> The rules of procedure of Parliament shall include the following provisions—<div style='margin-left:16px; margin-top:6px; margin-bottom:4px;'><div style='margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>(a)</strong> the Speaker shall determine the order of business in Parliament and shall give priority to Government business;</div><div style='margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>(b)</strong> a member of Parliament has the right to move a private member’s bill;</div><div style='margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>(c)</strong> the member moving the private member’s bill shall be afforded reasonable assistance by the department of Government whose area of operation is affected by the bill; and</div><div style='margin-bottom:6px;'><strong>(d)</strong> the office of the Attorney General shall afford the member moving the private member’s bill professional assistance in the drafting of the bill.</div></div></div>

Article 88: When Parliament Needs to Meet

Procedure of Parliament

88.Quorum of Parliament

Summary