Bills can be broadly classified into three categories: Ordinary Bills, Money Bills, and Financial Bills. Each type of bill serves a distinct purpose and follows specific procedures.
1. Ordinary Bills:
A. Definition:
- Ordinary bills are proposed laws that deal with various matters, except those related to money and finances.
B. Introduction:
- An ordinary bill can be introduced in either house of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
C. Approval Process:
- The bill goes through the regular stages of parliamentary approval, including readings, committee examination, and debates.
D. Voting:
- The bill is put to a vote, and if a majority of members in the house approve, it proceeds to the other house for consideration.
E. Consideration in the Other House:
- The bill goes through similar stages in the other house.
F. Resolution of Disagreements:
- If there are disagreements between the houses, they may hold discussions to resolve differences.
G. Presidential Assent:
- After both houses agree on the final version of the bill, it is sent to the President for assent.
H. Enforcement:
- Once the President gives assent, the bill becomes law and is enforced.
2. Money Bills:
A. Definition:
- Money bills exclusively deal with matters related to taxation, public expenditure, government loans, and Consolidated Fund of India.
B. Introduction:
- Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
C. Recommendation of President:
- Before introducing a money bill, the President’s recommendation is required.
D. Approval Process:
- The Lok Sabha’s decision on a money bill is final. The Rajya Sabha can make recommendations, but the Lok Sabha may or may not accept them.
E. Presidential Assent:
- After the Lok Sabha approves the money bill, it is sent to the President for assent.
F. Enforcement:
- Once the President gives assent, the money bill becomes law.
G. Restrictions on the Rajya Sabha:
- The Rajya Sabha cannot reject a money bill; it can only recommend amendments.
H. Time Limit for Rajya Sabha:
- The Rajya Sabha must return the money bill within 14 days. The Lok Sabha can either accept or reject the recommendations.
I. 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.
3. Financial Bills:
A. Definition:
- Financial bills deal with matters related to public expenditure and may or may not contain provisions related to taxation.
B. Types:
- There are three types of financial bills:
- Type I: Relates exclusively to taxation.
- Type II: Does not exclusively relate to taxation but contains provisions on government expenditure.
- Type III: Does not exclusively relate to taxation and deals with other matters.
C. Introduction:
- Financial bills can be introduced in either house of Parliament.
D. Recommendation of President:
- Like money bills, financial bills also require the President’s recommendation before introduction.
E. Approval Process:
- The approval process for financial bills is similar to that of ordinary bills.
F. Voting:
- The bill is put to a vote, and if a majority of members in the house approve, it proceeds to the other house for consideration.
G. Consideration in the Other House:
- The bill goes through similar stages in the other house.
H. Presidential Assent:
- After both houses agree on the final version of the bill, it is sent to the President for assent.
I. Enforcement:
- Once the President gives assent, the financial bill becomes law.
The classifications also have significant implications for the role and powers of each house, especially in the case of money bills where the Lok Sabha has the final say.
