Explainers on Indian Politics

How a Bill becomes law in India's Parliament

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0530

Every central law in India — from a one-line amendment to a new criminal code — travels the same basic route through Parliament. Here is that route, step by step.

1. Introduction (first reading)

A Bill can be introduced in either House, except a Money Bill, which can only begin in the Lok Sabha. A Bill introduced by a minister is a government Bill; one introduced by any other member is a private member’s Bill. At introduction the House only grants leave to introduce it; there is normally no debate on its merits. The Bill is then published in the Gazette.

What the Model Code of Conduct is, and when it applies

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:55:00 +0530

When the Election Commission of India announces the dates of a Lok Sabha or Assembly election, one thing changes immediately: the Model Code of Conduct comes into force.

What it is

The code is a set of guidelines for political parties, candidates and governments that aims to keep campaigns fair and to stop those in office from using their position to gain an electoral advantage. Its origins go back to a set of guidelines agreed for the 1960 Kerala Assembly election, and the ECI has expanded it over the decades.

The anti-defection law, explained

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:50:00 +0530

In 1967, a Haryana legislator named Gaya Lal changed parties several times within a short span, giving Indian politics the phrase “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram”. Nearly two decades later, Parliament responded with the anti-defection law.

What the law says

The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, inserted by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985, applies to members of Parliament and of state legislatures. A member elected on a party ticket can be disqualified if they:

How the President of India is elected

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:45:00 +0530

The President of India is not elected directly by voters. Instead, the Constitution sets up an electoral college — and gives its members’ votes different weights.

Who votes

Under Article 54, the electoral college is made up of: