Parliamentary Sovereignty - The concept that the British Parliament holds ultimate legislative authority, with courts generally unable to question or invalidate its acts. In England, courts do not inquire into the mode of passing legislation once it has received Royal Assent, emphasizing Parliament's sovereignty ["P. S. BUS CO. LTD v. MEMBERS AND SECRETARY OF CEYLON TRANSPORT BOARD"], ["BRIBERY COMMISSIONER v. RANASINGHE"].
Limited Sovereignty in Colonial and Other Contexts - In jurisdictions like Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Parliament's sovereignty is not absolute; courts can consider the validity of legislation if it complies with the law establishing Parliament. Lord Campbell noted that courts can only verify that a bill passed both Houses and received Royal Assent, but not how it was introduced or its substantive legality ["P. S. BUS CO. LTD v. MEMBERS AND SECRETARY OF CEYLON TRANSPORT BOARD"].
Parliamentary Privilege and Proceedings - Proceedings within Parliament, including debates and committee work, are protected by privileges that prevent courts from questioning their legality or questioning members' statements made in parliamentary contexts. These privileges are part of the law of the land and uphold the independence of Parliament ["Teng Chang Khim (Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pilihan Khas Mengenai Keupayaan Kebertanggungjawaban dan Ketelusan dan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Hak dan Kebebasan Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor) & Ors vs Dato' Raja Ideris bin Raja Ahmad & Ors"], ["P. S. BUS CO. LTD v. MEMBERS AND SECRETARY OF CEYLON TRANSPORT BOARD"].
Legislative Policy and Contesting Elections - The exercise of parliamentary sovereignty allows legislatures to set policies, such as the rules for contesting multiple seats in elections. Historically, candidates could contest multiple constituencies unless legislated otherwise, reflecting Parliament's authority to determine electoral laws ["Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay VS Union of India - Supreme Court"], ["ASHWINI KUMAR UPADHYAY vs UNION OF INDIA - Supreme Court"].
Parliamentary Immunity and Privileges - Statements made by members, including Prime Ministers, during parliamentary proceedings are protected under privileges and immunity, which courts generally do not scrutinize unless there is a breach of privilege or misconduct ["DHARSHANA WERADUWAGE VS. 1. HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL 2. HON. RANIL WICKREMESINGHE"].
Legal Challenges and Court Jurisdiction - Courts, including Supreme Courts, have limited jurisdiction to interfere with parliamentary proceedings or decisions regarding disqualification, seat vacating, or election disputes, provided such actions are within the scope of parliamentary law and privileges ["RANJAN RAMANAYAKA VS. SECRETARY GENERAL OF PARLIAMENT AND ANOTHER"], ["RANJAN RAMANAYAKA VS. SECRETARY GENERAL OF PARLIAMENT AND ANOTHER"].
Sovereignty and Judicial Review - While parliamentary sovereignty emphasizes legislative supremacy, courts recognize boundaries, especially regarding internal parliamentary proceedings and privileges. Courts do not question the sovereignty but respect parliamentary processes unless laws or procedures are violated ["BRIBERY COMMISSIONER v. RANASINGHE"].
Analysis and Conclusion:Parliamentary sovereignty is a foundational principle that grants legislatures the ultimate authority to make laws, with courts generally refraining from scrutinizing legislative acts or internal parliamentary proceedings. However, this sovereignty is not absolute; courts can assess the legality of legislation within the framework established by law and uphold parliamentary privileges that protect internal proceedings and members' statements. The balance ensures the independence of Parliament while maintaining legal accountability within defined limits. This principle varies across jurisdictions but fundamentally underscores the supremacy of parliamentary law over other sources of authority ["P. S. BUS CO. LTD v. MEMBERS AND SECRETARY OF CEYLON TRANSPORT BOARD"], ["BRIBERY COMMISSIONER v. RANASINGHE"], ["Teng Chang Khim (Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pilihan Khas Mengenai Keupayaan Kebertanggungjawaban dan Ketelusan dan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Hak dan Kebebasan Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor) & Ors vs Dato' Raja Ideris bin Raja Ahmad & Ors"].
