The process of passing a bill in the Indian Parliament involves several stages, each designed to ensure thorough examination, debate, and scrutiny of proposed legislation.
1. First Reading: Introduction of the Bill
A. Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha:
- The bill is introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
- Members are given a copy of the bill, but there is no debate at this stage.
B. Purpose:
- The primary purpose is to give notice of the bill’s introduction and provide members with an opportunity to examine its contents.
2. First Reading: Introduction in the Other House
A. Transmission to the Other House:
- After the bill is introduced in one house, it is transmitted to the other house.
B. First Reading in the Other House:
- The bill goes through the same process (first reading) in the other house.
C. No Debate:
- There is no debate during the first reading.
3. Referral to a Parliamentary Committee
A. Committee Examination:
- The bill is referred to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination.
- Committees may include the Standing Committee, Select Committee, or Joint Committee.
B. Committee Report:
- The committee examines the bill clause by clause, holds discussions, and prepares a report.
- The report may include recommendations and suggested amendments.
C. Consideration by the House:
- The committee’s report is presented to the house, and members may debate and discuss its findings.
4. Second Reading: Detailed Examination in the House
A. Clause-by-Clause Consideration:
- Members debate the bill clause by clause during the second reading.
- Amendments may be proposed, and each clause is voted upon.
B. Voting:
- Members vote on each clause, and the bill as a whole.
- If a majority approves, the bill proceeds to the next stage.
5. Third Reading: Final Consideration
A. Debate on the Entire Bill:
- Members debate the bill as a whole during the third reading.
- Further amendments may be proposed and discussed.
B. Voting:
- Members vote on the final version of the bill.
- A majority vote in favor leads to the passage of the bill in that house.
6. Transmission to the Other House
A. Sending the Bill to the Other House:
- If the bill originated in the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha, and vice versa.
7. Consideration in the Other House
A. Similar Stages:
- The bill goes through similar stages in the other house—first reading, committee examination, second reading, and third reading.
8. Consideration of Amendments
A. If Both Houses Agree:
- If both houses agree on the bill and any amendments, it proceeds to the next stage.
B. If There is Disagreement:
- If there is a disagreement between the houses, they may hold discussions to resolve differences.
9. Presidential Assent
A. Final Approval:
- After both houses agree, the bill is sent to the President for approval.
B. Presidential Assent:
- The President’s assent is required for the bill to become law.
- Once the President gives assent, the bill becomes an act of Parliament.
10. Commencement
A. Enforcement:
- The act comes into force on a date specified in the act or notified by the government.
The detailed process ensures that proposed legislation undergoes thorough scrutiny, receives input from members, and addresses concerns raised during parliamentary debates and committee examinations. The separation of powers between the two houses, along with the President’s assent, safeguards the legislative process and ensures a comprehensive examination of proposed laws.
