The history of the parliament goes back to the 13th century. There is a set pattern of rules as to how it runs. The rules that are already written down are known as “Standing Orders”. The different resolutions passed by the House set the other rules. The conduct of the Parliament is not laid down in any rules, it is continuing in the same manner from time immemorial and these untold and unwritten rules are known as “Custom and Practice”.
Standing Orders
Standing orders are the rules that are laid down in writing and according to which, the Parliament conducts its business.
These standing orders regulate the manner in which the members should behave, Bills are initiated, debates and discussions are coordinated and conducted. There are certain Standing Orders that are temporary and are live only till the end of a particular session of the Parliament. There are about 150 Standing Orders that deal with Parliamentary Business and public Bills and about 250 of then relating to private business.
