The constitutional provisions regarding bills in the Indian Parliament are outlined in Articles 107 to 111 of the Constitution of India. These articles detail the procedure and powers related to the introduction, consideration, and passage of bills in both houses of Parliament, i.e., the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Key Constitutional Provisions Regarding Bills:
1. Article 107 – Provisions as to Introduction and Passing of Bills:
A. Initiation of Legislation:
- All legislative proposals (bills) can be introduced in either house of Parliament.
B. Approval of Both Houses:
- Every bill must be approved by both houses to become law.
C. Money Bills:
- Money bills must be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha has limited powers regarding such bills.
D. Special Powers of Lok Sabha:
- The Lok Sabha has special powers with respect to money bills. The Rajya Sabha can make recommendations, but the Lok Sabha’s decision prevails.
2. Article 108 – Joint Sitting of Both Houses in Certain Cases:
A. Disagreements Between Houses:
- In case of a disagreement between the two houses over a non-money bill, the President may summon a joint sitting to resolve the deadlock.
B. Voting in Joint Sitting:
- In a joint sitting, members of both houses vote together. The decision is made by a simple majority.
3. Article 109 – Special Procedure in Respect of Money Bills:
A. Definition of Money Bill:
- Article 109 defines money bills, which exclusively deal with matters related to taxation, public expenditure, government loans, and the Consolidated Fund of India.
B. Recommendation of the President:
- A money bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and before doing so, the President’s recommendation is required.
C. Limitations on the Rajya Sabha:
- The Rajya Sabha has limited powers with respect to money bills. It cannot reject a money bill; it can only recommend amendments.
D. Procedure in the Rajya Sabha:
- The Rajya Sabha must return the money bill within 14 days. The Lok Sabha can either accept or reject the recommendations.
E. If Disagreement Persists:
- If there is a disagreement between the two houses, a joint sitting can be called. However, the Lok Sabha’s decision prevails.
4. Article 110 – Definition of “Money Bills”:
A. Criteria for Money Bills:
- Article 110 defines the criteria for a bill to be categorized as a money bill.
B. Exclusive Matters in Money Bills:
- Money bills must exclusively deal with matters specified in Article 110.
C. Decision of the Speaker:
- The decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on whether a bill is a money bill is final.
5. Article 111 – Assent to Bills:
A. Assent of the President:
- After a bill is approved by both houses, it is sent to the President for assent.
B. President’s Discretion:
- The President may give assent, withhold assent, or return the bill (except a money bill) for reconsideration.
C. Assent to Money Bills:
- In the case of money bills, the President can only give assent or withhold assent; there is no provision for returning money bills.
These constitutional provisions establish the framework for the introduction, consideration, and passage of bills in the Indian Parliament, ensuring a systematic and well-defined legislative process. The distinction between ordinary bills and money bills, along with the powers of each house and the President, helps maintain the balance of powers and uphold democratic principles.
