- Special rights- It provide immunities and exemptions enjoyed by the two houses of the Parliament, their committees and their members.
- Need- To secure the independence and effectiveness of their actions.
- Without these privileges the Houses can neither maintain their authority, dignity and honour nor can protect their members from any obstruction in the discharge of their parliamentary responsibilities.
- Extension- It is extended to those persons who are entitled to speak and take part in the proceedings of a House of Parliament or any of its committees.
- These include Attorney General of India and Union Ministers.
- Exception- The parliamentary privileges do not extend to the President who is an integral part of the Parliament.
- Article 121- It restricts members from discussing the conduct of the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
- Freedom of speech in Parliament is subject to the provisions of the Constitution and the rules regulating the procedure of the Houses.
- Rajya Sabha Rulebook- It is an essential pre-requisite for the efficient discharge of their Parliamentary duties, in the absence of which, they may not be able to speak out their mind and express their views in the House without any fear.
- Classification-
- Collective privileges- Those privileges that are enjoyed by each house of Parliament collectively.
- Individual privileges- Those privileges that are enjoyed by the members individually.
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