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The legislative journey through the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, explained step by step
India's laws are made by Parliament, which consists of the President, the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). A proposed law, called a bill, must pass through a detailed process before it becomes an Act. Articles 107 to 122 of the Constitution set out the core rules.
| Type | Where introduced | Key rule |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary bill | Either House | Both Houses must pass it |
| Money bill (Article 110) | Lok Sabha only | Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes within 14 days |
| Financial bill (Article 117) | Varies by type | Some need President's recommendation |
| Constitutional amendment bill (Article 368) | Either House | Special majority in each House |
Bills can be government bills, introduced by ministers, or private members' bills, introduced by MPs who are not ministers. Very few private members' bills have ever become law; the last one passed by both Houses was in 1970.
The relevant ministry drafts the bill, consults other ministries and the Law Ministry, and often seeks public comments under the pre-legislative consultation policy. The Cabinet approves it for introduction.
The minister seeks leave of the House to introduce the bill. The bill is introduced and published in the Gazette. There is usually no debate at this stage.
The Speaker or Chairman may refer the bill to a Department-Related Standing Committee. Alternatively, the House may refer it to a Select Committee or a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Committees examine the bill clause by clause, hear experts and stakeholders, and report back.
The House debates whether to pass the bill as a whole. Only limited amendments are allowed. The bill is passed by a simple majority of members present and voting.
The bill goes through the same stages in the second House, which can:
If the Houses disagree, the President can summon a joint sitting, presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Joint sittings have been held only three times: for the Dowry Prohibition Bill (1961), the Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill (1978) and the Prevention of Terrorism Bill (2002). Joint sittings are not available for money bills or constitutional amendments.
The President can:
The Constitution sets no time limit for presidential assent, sometimes described as a "pocket veto" possibility.
Under Article 368, amendments require a special majority in each House: a majority of total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting. Some amendments affecting federal provisions also need ratification by at least half of the state legislatures. Amendments remain subject to the basic structure doctrine.
Under Article 123, the President can promulgate an ordinance when Parliament is not in session. It has the force of law but must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of its reassembly, or it lapses.
No. It can only delay it for up to 14 days and make recommendations.
Three times: in 1961, 1978 and 2002.
No. Referral to committees is not mandatory, which has been debated as a matter of legislative quality.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
The path from bill to law involves readings, committee scrutiny, approval by both Houses and presidential assent. Understanding each step helps citizens follow debates in Parliament and see where laws can be shaped.
