How a Bill becomes law in India's Parliament

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.

2. Detailed consideration (second reading)

This is where most of the work happens. The House first holds a general discussion on the Bill’s principles. It may then:

• take the Bill into consideration straight away;
• refer it to a Select Committee of that House or a Joint Committee of both Houses; or
• circulate it to elicit public opinion.

Bills may also be examined by the relevant Department-related Standing Committee. Committees can call witnesses and propose changes, but their reports are recommendations. After this, the House goes through the Bill clause by clause, and members can move amendments to each clause.

3. Passing (third reading)

The debate is now limited to arguments for or against passing the Bill as a whole. An ordinary Bill needs a simple majority of members present and voting.

4. The other House

The Bill then goes to the second House, which repeats all three stages. It can pass the Bill as it is, amend it and send it back, or reject it. If the second House makes changes, the first House must agree to them for the Bill to go forward.

5. If the Houses disagree

For an ordinary Bill, if one House rejects it, the Houses disagree on amendments, or six months pass without the second House passing it, the President may summon a joint sitting of both Houses under Article 108. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides and the Bill is decided by a majority of the total members of both Houses present and voting. Joint sittings have been rare. They are not available for Money Bills or Constitution amendment Bills.

6. The President’s assent

Under Article 111, the President may give assent, withhold it, or — for a Bill other than a Money Bill — return it to Parliament for reconsideration. If Parliament passes the Bill again, with or without changes, the President must give assent. Once assent is given, the Bill becomes an Act, and it comes into force on the date it specifies or the government notifies.