6.3. Whip

The concept of the whip was inherited from colonial British rule. Every major political party appoints a whip, who is responsible for the party's discipline and behaviour on the floor of the house. Usually, he directs the party members to stick to the party's stand on certain issues and directs them to vote as per the direction of senior party members. Disciplinary action can be taken against the members in case of violation of direction of the whip. However, there are some cases such as Indian presidential election where no whip can be issued directing Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly on whom to vote. This office is based on conventions of parliamentary government and is mentioned neither in the Constitution nor in the Rules of the House or in a parliamentary statute.