Question of the Day – Secret sitting in house
QOTD April 24,2026
Consider the following statements regarding secret sitting in the House
- Secret sitting allows exclusion of the public and media from parliamentary proceedings
- It can be held only after a motion is adopted by the House
- The proceedings of a secret sitting are always immediately made public
Which of the above statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Secret sitting involves conducting proceedings without public or press access to maintain confidentiality
Statement 2 is correct
A formal motion must be adopted by the House to hold a secret sitting
Statement 3 is incorrect
Proceedings are kept confidential and may be disclosed later only if the House decides
Why in news–
The issue of Denotified Tribes has been in news due to ongoing discussions on their socio-economic upliftment, inclusion in welfare schemes, and demands for better recognition under affirmative action policies in India. Reports and committees have highlighted continued marginalization, lack of access to education and employment, and the need for targeted policy interventions.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements
- Secret sitting can be held in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- The Speaker or Chairman alone can unilaterally declare a secret sitting without House approval
- Matters of national security may justify secret sittings
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Both Houses have provisions for secret sittings under their rules
Statement 2 is incorrect
It requires approval of the House through a motion not unilateral decision
Statement 3 is correct
Sensitive issues like national security are typical reasons
PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding parliamentary transparency
- Open sittings promote accountability in democracy
- Secret sittings are the norm in parliamentary functioning
- Confidential discussions may be necessary in exceptional cases
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Public access ensures transparency and accountability
Statement 2 is incorrect
Secret sittings are rare and exceptional not routine
Statement 3 is correct
Certain matters require confidentiality for national interest
PQ3.Consider the following statements
- Publication of proceedings of a secret sitting requires House approval
- Members present in secret sitting are bound by confidentiality
- Secret sittings are mentioned explicitly in the Constitution of India
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Disclosure depends on a subsequent decision of the House
Statement 2 is correct
Members are expected to maintain secrecy of proceedings
Statement 3 is incorrect
Secret sittings are governed by rules of procedure not explicitly by the Constitution
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Consider the following statements regarding parliamentary procedures in India
- Zero Hour is mentioned in the rules of procedure
- Question Hour is the first hour of a sitting of Parliament
- Adjournment Motion is used to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
Zero Hour is not formally mentioned in the rules it is an informal practice
Statement 2 is correct
Question Hour is the first hour of a sitting
Statement 3 is correct
Adjournment Motion allows discussion on urgent public issues interrupting normal business