Assertion (A): The live telecast of legislative proceedings has made the issue of contempt of legislatures irrelevant.
Reason (R): When people ask or true democracy through pressure groups, the people’s representatives have their own selfish goals to go for such a measure.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
The live telecast of legislative proceedings has brought unprecedented transparency into the functioning of democratic institutions. The assertion claims that this openness has made the issue of contempt of legislatures irrelevant. On the other hand, the reason provided touches on the role of pressure groups and self-serving motives of people’s representatives. Interestingly, both statements are true, yet they explain different dimensions of the issue.
To begin with, live telecasts have enabled citizens to directly observe parliamentary behavior, speeches, and debates. As a result, the public now has better access to how representatives conduct themselves. Hence, many believe this reduces the need for strict disciplinary tools, such as the contempt rule, as accountability has increased through visibility.
However, contempt of legislatures still remains a relevant constitutional safeguard. It serves to protect the dignity and authority of the legislative body, especially in cases of misrepresentation, defamation, or interference. Thus, it cannot be entirely dismissed just because proceedings are televised.
Meanwhile, the reason discusses how pressure groups demand genuine democracy. At the same time, some representatives support live telecasts for personal or political gain, such as image-building or appealing to specific voter bases. This highlights the complex motivations behind such reforms, but it does not directly explain why contempt laws are deemed irrelevant.
In conclusion, both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason does not logically explain the assertion. Therefore, the correct answer is (B).
