Legislative Procedure
The Journey of an Ordinary Bill from Draft to Law
PART I — INTRODUCTION & SCRUTINY
FIRST READING
Introduction
- The member asks for **leave of the House** to introduce the bill.
- If granted, the title and objectives are read out. **No discussion takes place** at this stage.
- The bill is then published in the **Gazette of India**. (If published before introduction, leave of the House is not required).
SECOND READING
Committee & Consideration
- **The most crucial stage.** Divided into three sub-stages:
- *Stage of General Discussion:* Underlying principles are debated.
- *Committee Stage:* Bill is referred to a Select/Joint Committee for detailed, microscopic scrutiny and amendments.
- *Consideration Stage:* The House debates the committee's report and votes on the bill **clause-by-clause**. Amendments can be moved here.
PART II — FINALITY & ENACTMENT
THIRD READING
Voting & Transmission
- Debate is strictly confined to the **acceptance or rejection** of the bill as a whole.
- **No amendments** are allowed at this stage.
- If the majority of members present and voting accept it, the bill is passed and transmitted to the **Second House**, where it goes through the exact same three readings.
ARTICLE 111
President's Assent
- Once passed by both Houses (identically or via a joint sitting), it goes to the President.
- The President may: 1) **Give Assent** (Bill becomes an Act/Law). 2) **Withhold Assent** (Absolute Veto - Bill dies).
- 3) **Return the Bill** for reconsideration (Suspensive Veto). If passed again by Parliament (with or without amendments), the President **must** give assent.
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