Who is a Whip?

March 6, 2023

A whip, in parliamentary language, may refer to a written order to members of a particular party in the House to abide by a certain direction. It may also refer to an official of the party who is authorized to issue such a direction. This term has been derived from the old British practice of “whipping in” lawmakers to follow a party line.

Why is Whip in News recently?

Supreme Court recently observed that Members of a House are bound by the whip. If any section of MLAs belonging to a political party that is part of the ruling coalition does not want to go with the alliance, the MLAs will be disqualified. This observation was made orally by a 5-Judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India.

Whip in Australia

The whip ensures that all the senators and members are present in the chamber. There is no official office for the whip like that of the UK.

Whip in Canada

Here, the whip is a member of the political party. He ensures party discipline. The office of the whip prepares and distributes vote sheets. Whip assigns the speakers from his or her party for motions and bills and also during other proceedings in the house.

Whip in India

India inherited the concept of Whip from the UK. Usually, the whips direct the members to vote as instructed by the party. However, the whip cannot bring in such directions during Presidential elections.

Whip in Ireland

Here, the whips meet to set the weekly agenda of the house. The members should get permission from the whips if they are to be absent for a voting session.

Whip in the US

The State legislatures, the House of Senate, and the House of Representatives all have whips in the US. The majority of whips here are the President Pro Tempore. President Pro Tempore is the second highest-ranking official in the Senate. In the absence of the Vice President, the President Pro Tempore acts as the Vice President.

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