BILL TO AN ACT - Part 2

In the previous blog we have discussed various steps involved in a bill to become an Act. Here we shall discuss the stages in elaborate. The chart is most appropriate to understand an ordinary bill ( not money, financial bills)

what is an ordinary bill?

Bills concerned with any matters other than the financial matters.

First reading :

• It includes the introduction of the bill in either of the houses of the Parliament by a minister or by a private member.
• It is followed by the grant of leave and its publication in the Gazette of India.

publication in gazette :

• can be published in official gazette even before the bill introduced with the special permission of the speaker. In such case the leave is not asked and the bill is introduced directly.

Second reading :

• In this stage it is read in 2 stages. The first stage consists of general discussion on the Bill as a whole when the principle underlying the Bill is discussed. The second stage of the Second Reading consists of clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill as introduced or as reported by Select/Joint Committee.
• At this stage, the bill undergoes detailed scrutiny including discussion of every clause.

Third reading :

• At this stage, no amendments are allowed. The bill needs to be passed by a simple majority of members present and voting in the House.
• When bill is authenticated by the presiding officer, it is sent to the other house for consideration and approval.

Bill in the second House: 

• In the second House also, the bill needs to be passed by a simple majority of members present and voting in the House.
• If the second House passes the bill without any amendments, the bill is sent to the president for his assent.

Assent of the President:

•  If the president gives his assent to the bill, the bill becomes an act and placed on the Statute Book.
• If the president withholds the assent to the bill, the bill ends.
• presidents power for approval  (Article 111 and Article 74)
• Some times the governor may refer the bill to the president anticipating clash between other central laws or constitution and decision of the president is final per Article 200 and 201.