Party Whip and the Absence of Veto—Limits of Freedom of Expression in Legislative Decision-Making – Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Adhav
Pune, 18th April 2026: “Parliamentary autonomy is significantly constrained by the party whip system, while the absence of a veto-like mechanism further restricts individual freedom, thereby narrowing the scope of freedom of expression within legislative processes,” stated by Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Adhav. He was speaking as the Keynote Speaker at a programme jointly organised by the Department of Economics, PG & Research Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension, SPPU, Pune, to mark the 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at Poona College, Pune on the topic, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s thought on Sustainable Democracy”.
He further noted that Dr. Ambedkar elaborated the parameters of sustainable democracy in his seminal 1952 lecture on the “Survival of Democracy,” wherein he defined democracy not merely as a system of governance but as a way of life rooted in liberty, equality, and fraternity. He emphasized that political democracy must be grounded in social democracy, sustained through constitutional morality, and safeguarded against challenges such as hero-worship, socio-economic inequalities, and lack of accountability. He added that democracy thrives on ethical leadership, an informed and vigilant citizenry, and a strong opposition, requiring continuous commitment to constitutional values and active public participation.
In his presidential address, Principal Dr. Iqbal N. Shaikh highlighted the constitutional rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions and stressed the need to protect constitutional safeguards while fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment. He urged students to respect the Constitution and contribute towards social harmony for sustainable democracy.
Another resource person, Dr. Mukhtar Shaikh, spoke on Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of sustainable democracy as embedded in the framework of the Constitution of India. He underscored the Preamble as the foundation of democratic values—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—and drew insights from world history, to illustrate the role of democratic values in shaping societies. He emphasized constitutional morality, fundamental rights, institutional accountability, and active civic participation as essential to a robust democracy.
On this occasion, the Knowledge Resource Center of Poona College also organized a book exhibition highlighting the life and works of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The exhibition showcased a rich collection of books, writings, and rare documents reflecting his contribution to social justice, equality, and the Indian Constitution. Librarian, Dr. Mohammad Zuber coordinated the book exhibition.
Dr. Shirin Shaikh delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of commemorating Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring legacy, while Programme Coordinator Dr. M. Shahid Jamal Ansari outlined the objectives of the event. The programme commenced with a recitation by Dr. Ahmad Shamshad and concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Ansari. The programme witnessed active participation from the faculty members Dr. Vidyasagar Singaram, Dr. Nargis Wani, Dr. Babasaheb Shaikh, Dr. Shakir Shaikh and students, making it a meaningful and intellectually enriching occasion. The event witnessed active participation from faculty members and students, making it a meaningful and intellectually enriching occasion.
