Direct Democracy can be defined as a form or system of democracy giving citizens an extraordinary amount of participation in the legislation process and granting them a maximum of political self-determination. In Direct democracy (also known as pure democracy) people decide policy initiatives directly. This differs from the majority of modern democracies, which are representative democracies.

The most common instruments of direct democracy are the referendum, initiative and recall.

• Switzerland is the best example practicing direct democracy but some states or regions of USA like New England decide local affairs through the direct democratic process of the town meeting.

There is rising consciousness about need of direct democracy around the world because :

• Citizens are frustrated with the state of affairs and their elected representatives. They are showing their anger through protests due to problems of jobs and poverty which states seems to be unable to handle. There is a feeling among the people of many democracies that “direct democracy” would bring less pain and better results. Even Britain which is not a direct democracy recently used the tool of direct democracy i.e. referendum for BREXIT.

Case for India :

• Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan were great proponents of direct democracy. Gandhian principles incorporated in DPSP reflect elements of direct democracy like organization of village panchayats.

Constitutionally :

• The words “referendum”, “initiative” and “recall” do not appear in the Indian Constitution.
• The 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution, allow a limited form of participative direct democracy through Gram Sabhas.

Arguments against Direct democracy :

• Direct democracy is not capable of dealing with complex issues, particularly when combined with inter-issue prioritization.
• People do not have the time or inclination to participate on a continual basis in running the government and that the cost of involving the population on multiple issues is very high.

Arguments in favor :

• Two instruments—the referendum and the recall can be practiced. With the advent of electronic voting, the Internet and social media (despite the lack of widespread availability in India), the cost of administering such instruments is declining.

Conclusion :

• Most issues of modern society are too complex and nuanced for a loose coalition of laymen to draft a comprehensive piece of legislation that will stand the test of time and circumstance. Even a measure of direct democracy is no panacea.Ultimately, there is no substitute for holding the institutions of democracy accountable to high moral and performance standards. There is need of active participation of citizens in democracy which is more than mere casting vote. Quality of democracy at the end depends upon quality of citizenry whether it is direct or representative democracy.