Law-Making Process
The Legislative Assembly Line
PART I — TYPES OF BILLS
ORDINARY BILLS
The Standard Route
- Introduced in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
- Requires simple majority to pass.
- RS can amend or reject the bill.
- Deadlock (6 months) = Joint Sitting (Art 108).
MONEY BILLS (ART 110)
Financial Exclusivity
- Introduced *only* in Lok Sabha, with Pres. rec.
- Speaker's certification is final.
- Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject it.
- RS has only 14 days to return it; no joint sitting.
FINANCE BILLS (ART 117)
The Hybrids
- Contains Art 110 matters + general legislation.
- Type I: Intro only in LS, passed like ordinary bill.
- Type II: Intro in either house, passed like ordinary bill.
- Joint sitting is allowed for deadlocks.
PART II — THE LEGISLATIVE GAUNTLET
THE STAGES
Three Readings
- **First Reading:** Introduction & publication in Gazette.
- **Second Reading:** Detailed scrutiny. Committee stage & Clause-by-clause consideration (amendments moved here).
- **Third Reading:** Final debate and vote (pass or reject; no amendments).
ARTICLE 111
Presidential Assent
- **Sign:** Bill becomes an Act.
- **Withhold (Absolute Veto):** Bill ends, does not become Act.
- **Return (Suspensive Veto):** Sends back for reconsideration. If passed again, President *must* sign.
- *Note: Money bills cannot be returned.*
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