How a bill becomes a law in India

Every central law in India starts as a bill in Parliament. Most are introduced by ministers (government bills); any member who is not a minister can introduce a private member’s bill, though very few of those become law. The route a bill takes depends on what kind of bill it is.

An ordinary bill, step by step

1. Introduction (first reading). A bill can start in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. The minister asks the house for leave to introduce it, and the text is published.
2. Consideration (second reading). The house debates the bill’s principles. It may send the bill to a select committee, a joint committee of both houses or a departmental standing committee, which can hear experts and suggest changes. The house then goes through the bill clause by clause and votes on amendments.
3. Passing (third reading). The house votes on the bill as a whole. A simple majority of members present and voting is enough.
4. The other house. The bill goes through the same three stages in the second house, which can pass it, amend it or reject it. Both houses must agree on exactly the same text.
5. Assent. The bill is sent to the President under Article 111. The President can give assent, withhold it or — except for a money bill — return it once for reconsideration. If Parliament passes it again, the President must assent.
6. Coming into force. The Act is published in the Gazette of India. It takes effect on the date it names, or on a date the government later notifies.

When the two houses disagree

If one house rejects a bill passed by the other, insists on amendments the other will not accept, or sits on it for more than six months, the President can call a joint sitting under Article 108. The Speaker presides and the bill is decided by a majority of the members of both houses present and voting — which gives the larger Lok Sabha the edge. Joint sittings are rare: there have been three, in 1961, 1978 and 2002.

Money bills

A money bill deals only with taxes, government borrowing and spending from the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 110). It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, on the President’s recommendation, and the Speaker certifies that it is a money bill. The Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend it: it can only suggest changes within 14 days, which the Lok Sabha is free to ignore.

Amending the Constitution

Under Article 368, an amendment needs a special majority in each house: a majority of the total membership, and two-thirds of the members present and voting. There is no joint sitting for amendments. Changes that affect the states — such as the distribution of powers or representation in Parliament — must also be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures. The President must give assent. Parliament’s power has one limit set by the courts: it cannot destroy the Constitution’s basic structure.

Ordinances: law without Parliament, for a while

When Parliament is not in session, the President can issue an ordinance on the government’s advice (Article 123). It has the force of law, but it lapses six weeks after Parliament reassembles unless Parliament passes a law to replace it.

Where to follow a bill

The text of every bill, its status and committee reports are published on Digital Sansad, Parliament’s website. Acts and notifications appear in the Gazette of India.

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