Context: Lok Sabha on Thursday (April 3, 2025) made a record when the Zero Hour lasted for more than five hours and a whopping 202 MPs spoke.

Meaning of the context: Fulfilling the promise made in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, Speaker Om Birla ensured the extension of Zero Hour.

Learn More:

• Zero Hour is an important parliamentary device in India that allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise urgent matters without prior notice. It is an informal practice that takes place immediately after Question Hour, typically starting at 12 noon—hence the name “Zero Hour.”

Key Features of Zero Hour

• The concept of Zero Hour originated in India, not borrowed from any foreign parliamentary system.
• Not Mentioned in Rules of Procedure: Unlike Question Hour, Zero Hour is not formally listed in parliamentary rules but has evolved as a convention.
• Raising Urgent Issues: MPs can bring up matters of public importance that require immediate attention.
• Notice Requirement: MPs must submit their requests before 10 AM on the day of the session to the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha). Note: Here, same day request is sufficient unlike other devices like question hour where prior notice is required.
• Discretion of Presiding Officers: The Speaker or Chairman decides whether to allow the issue to be raised.

Source : The Hindu