Devender Singh’s The Indian Parliament: Samvidhan Sadan to Sansad Bhawan is a deeply researched, intellectually engaging, and structurally coherent volume that explores the Indian Parliament not merely as a constitutional institution, but as a living and dynamic embodiment of democratic aspirations. With the inauguration of the new Sansad Bhawan and the renaming of the old Parliament as Samvidhan Sadan, the book arrives at a historic juncture, anchoring contemporary developments in parliamentary architecture within the broader constitutional and democratic ethos.

The book begins by contextualizing the symbolic and functional transition from the colonial-era Parliament building to the newly constructed Sansad Bhawan. Singh meticulously captures the significance of this shift — not just in spatial or structural terms, but as a civilizational pivot, reiterating the idea that institutions must evolve in form while remaining grounded in foundational values. The presence of the Sengol — the sceptre symbolizing just rule — further enriches this symbolic transition, though Singh remains critically aware of its contested reception. His treatment is nuanced, recognizing both its cultural resonance and its potential implications for India’s secular-democratic fabric.
A particularly commendable feature of the book is its unwavering emphasis on Parliament as a deliberative and representative institution rather than a mere architectural or procedural entity. Singh does not shy away from critiquing the increasing executive dominance over the legislature — a concern that echoes Lord Hailsham’s conception of an “executature.” The author’s analytical acuity is evident in his concern about the declining number of parliamentary sittings, the erosion of legislative scrutiny, and the performative aggression seen in parliamentary debates. This critique is not merely descriptive but offers a prescriptive vision — the proposal for a Prime Minister’s Question Time, a revision of the outdated nomenclature like “Private Members’ Business”, and a procedural mechanism to allow one-third of MPs to convene the House and introduce legislation independently.
What sets this book apart is its impressive breadth of topics — ranging from the Vedic roots of India’s republicanism to modern legislative practices. Chapters on the framing of the Constitution, the working of the committee system, the interface between legislature and judiciary, and the audit role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) reflect the author’s command over both the theory and practice of parliamentary democracy. Singh also demonstrates scholarly rigor in tracing the history of the Rail Budget, its significance during colonial times, and its eventual merger with the General Budget under Article 112 of the
This expansive thematic range, however, does not come at the cost of coherence. The book maintains structural symmetry and analytical continuity throughout, making it a powerful reference manual as well as a critical scholarly text.
Singh’s dissection of the declining parliamentary ethos is sharply insightful. His concern is not merely nostalgic; it is a call to action. The deteriorating quality of debate, disruptions of Question Hour, and the growing friction between Members and Presiding Officers are all symptoms of a deeper malaise. His critique is balanced by optimism — a belief that procedural reforms, technological integration, and a reinvigorated political culture can restore Parliament’s status as the cornerstone of Indian democracy. The book’s concluding chapters are particularly impactful. They do not merely lament what has been lost, but illuminate what can be regained. Singh’s prose here is lucid, informed, and evocative — inviting legislators, scholars, civil servants, and citizens alike to rethink how Parliament can be reclaimed as a site of constructive engagement and accountable governance.
Written in an accessible yet elevated academic style, the book is both informative and pedagogically sound. It caters to a wide readership — students, scholars, journalists, policy-makers, and aspirants of public service. Singh’s use of anecdotal narratives alongside legal and procedural references makes the text engaging without diluting its analytical depth.
The Indian Parliament: Samvidhan Sadan to Sansad Bhawan is a timely and indispensable contribution to the discourse on parliamentary democracy in India. It succeeds in illuminating both the grandeur and the gravitas of the Indian Parliament while remaining unsparingly critical of its shortcomings. The book not only commemorates a historical moment but also reinvigorates the idea of Parliament as a sanctum sanctorum of democratic accountability. Devender Singh offers more than a chronicle; he offers a vision. In doing so, he restores to the idea of Parliament the respect, relevance, and resonance it so urgently needs in our times.
Recommended for: Students of political science, public administration, constitutional law, aspirants of civil services, journalists, parliamentarians, and any citizen interested in the future of Indian democracy.

Email:---------------------------aquilahmad2@gmail.com