How a Bill is Passed in Indian Parliament: Process, Types, Steps-UPSC Notes

The Indian Parliament plays a crucial role in the legislative process. The Members of Parliament propose, discuss, and turn Bills into laws. To fully understand how a bill is passed in the Indian Parliament, one must understand its detailed procedure and steps. This article will explain how a Bill is passed. This article aims to simplify the complicated process of passing a Bill.

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How is a Bill passed in India?

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha must be involved in making a bill become law. Before a Bill can become law in India, it goes through many steps. The steps involved are discussed below in detail. The query of how a bill passes in the Indian parliament has a comprehensive answer that contains different discussions, readings, and approvals from the governing authority.

The procedure in a Bill, such as introducing a new law, begins with the propositions of a Bill. A bill has already been formulated, and a member of parliament (MP) has proposed changing the existing rules. The bill is afterwards placed on the concerned ministry to review and pass. The proposal and introduction of the bill include the First Reading of the Bill, a Second Reading and Committee stage, and a Third Reading and Voting.

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After the bill gets approved, it is presented in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. It depends on the type of Bill. In financial matters, bills are also known as money bills. These must be presented in the Lok Sabha. Other bills can be given to either House. This marks the beginning of passing a bill in the Indian Parliament.

First Reading

During the first reading, the MP or Minister introduces the bill. The bill can be presented in any of the houses. The minister or MP explains their objectives and provisions. No discussion or voting takes place during this stage. This step is crucial for the Indian Parliament because it officially brings the bill to the House's attention.

Second Reading and Committee Stage

During the second reading, the bill is examined. Members of Parliament discuss and debate its provisions. After the bill is reviewed, amendments can be made. This stage involves debates. The MPs express their opinions and concerns about the bill.

The bill moves to the Committee Stage after the second reading. A committee of MPs studies the bill carefully. The provisions of the Bills are scrutinised. The Committee may suggest further amendments. This process allows for a review of the proposed law.

Third Reading and Voting

The House receives the final bill during its third reading. MPs may express their views on the bill. The MP cannot make changes at this point. After the debate, they vote on the bill.

Members of Parliament vote on the bill. If a majority of the MPs present and voting support the bill, the bill is considered passed in that particular House. This stage ensures that the legislation is reviewed thoroughly before it becomes law. It is a vital part of how a bill is passed in the Indian Parliament.

Consideration by the Other House

Once a Bill is passed in one House, it is sent to the other House for consideration. The second House goes through a similar procedure, i.e., readings, debates, and voting. Suppose the second House suggests any amendments. Then, the bill is sent back to the first House—inter-house coordination is part of passing bills in the Indian Parliament.

President's Approval/ Assent to Bills

After both houses pass the bill and agree on the amendments, the bill is sent to the President of India for approval. The President reviews the bill and can either give assent or withhold it. If the President gives assent, the bill becomes an Act. Presidential assent is the final step in passing a bill in the Indian Parliament.

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Types of Bills passed by the Parliament

Parliament introduces various types of Bills depending on their purpose and scope. Understanding these types helps explain how a bill is passed in the Indian Parliament more clearly. The two houses can introduce many kinds of Bills. Let us discuss the different categories of Bills that the parliament passes.

Ordinary Bills

The most common Bills introduced in Parliament are Ordinary Bills. They deal with many issues, like changing laws or creating new ones.

• Articles: 107, 108, & 111.

Money Bills

The Money Bill deals with matters related to government finances. These bills were first introduced in the Lok Sabha. They include issues like taxes, expenditures, and appropriation of money. Money Bills cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. This bill only requires the approval of the Lok Sabha. Money Bills are a special category and show a unique procedure for forcing a bill in the Indian Parliament.

• Articles: 109 & 110.

Finance Bills

Finance Bills are a subgroup of Money Bills. These bills affect the government's financial proposals for a particular financial year. They outline the government's taxation policies, allocation of funds, and other financial matters. 

• Article: 117

Finance Bills are classified into:

• Finance Bill I
• Finance Bill II

It depends on their significance and content.

Constitutional Amendment Bills

When changes or additions to the Indian Constitution are proposed, the Constitutional Amendment Bills are introduced in either of the houses. Both houses must vote in favour of this bill for it to pass. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote from members. Half of the state legislatures must approve Constitutional Amendment Bills. These Bills have a more complex route in how a bill is passed in the Indian Parliament.

• Article: 368

Private Members' Bills

Members of Parliament introduce private members' Bills. These MPs are not ministers in the government. Individual MPs get an opportunity to propose legislation on matters of public importance. These Bills are generally discussed on Fridays in Parliament. The approval and enactment of laws can be challenging due to limited time and resources.

The Parliament of India deals with a wide range of issues through various types of Bills. Every bill discussed in this article serves a specific purpose. These Bills help shape the legislative landscape. 

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How does an ordinary Bill pass through stages in Parliament to become a law?

Below is an outline of the procedure that a normal bill must undergo in the Indian parliament until it becomes a law:

What is a joint sitting, and what circumstances require a joint sitting?

The term joint sitting of Parliament in India refers to a Parliament sitting of both houses of the Parliament ( the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha) collectively in a single home.

According to Article 108 of the Constitution, the Joint session of the Parliament can be convened in the following situations:

• When a bill is passed by one house of parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) but is not passed by the other house within the given period, the house has not returned it. The decision to pass the bill may be passed through a joint sitting in case of a stalemate.
• Where a bill has already been passed by both houses of parliament, and has been returned by the President to parliament to reconsider, a joint sitting can be convened in such a case to rethink the bill and pass it once again if needed.

Some of the clauses in the joint sitting include:

• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha leads the Sittings.
• The procedure for a joint sitting is the same as that for the Lok Sabha.
• Lastly, quorums during joint sittings are a percentage of both sides of the house (1/10th).
• Joint sittings are used as a last resort to resolve the controversy between the 2 houses of Parliament when all other parliamentary devices (of resolving their differences) have been exhausted.
• They are intended to make it possible to enact crucial laws and have the majority's voice honoured.

Bills so far passed in the Joint Sitting

Since 1950, the joint sittings of the two houses have been applied three times. The bills that pass in joint sittings are

• Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1960.
• Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill,1977.
• The Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002.

Conclusion

The process of passing a bill in the Indian Parliament is crucial. It involves debate and careful examination to ensure that laws are well-designed. It also ensures that a Bill is in the nation's best interest. It makes sure that a Bill helps the country. MPs from both houses of parliament take part in examining Bills. It can only be achieved by ensuring the legislative process is accountable and transparent.

After reading this article, we hope all your doubts about "how a bill is passed in the Indian parliament" have been addressed. The textbook provides comprehensive notes on civil services and various other competitive examinations. It has always ensured the quality of its products, such as content pages, live tests, GK, current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your UPSC preparation with the Testbook. Download the Testbook App now!