Kshitiza M.

There are several stages that a bill has to pass before it actually becomes a law. There are three stages that the bill has to pass in one house of the parliament. The same is the case when a bill is presented in state legislatures. The three steps are as explained below: 1. First reading: A bill can be first introduced (by a minister or an individual) in either house of the parliament. In case it is a money bill; it will only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. If leave is granted by the House, the bill is introduced. After the bill has been introduced, it is published in The Gazette of India. The bill is then referred by the speaker of the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha to a committee which considers the principles of the bill and presents its report on the bill. 2. Second reading: There is an open discussion wherein the principles underlying the bill are discussed. Amendments are suggested. Amendments become a part of the bill if majority votes in it's favor. 3. Third reading: The bill is put to vote. In case there is a tie between those in favor and those against; the presiding officer can cast a vote in favor or against the bill. After the bill is passed by one house; it is sent to the other house where same proceedings take place except for the introduction of the bill. Other house can keep a money bill for 14 days and an ordinary bill for 3 months without passing or rejecting it. If it fails to return the bill in a fixed time, the bill is deemed to be passed and is sent to the President for approval. If President gives his assent, the bill is published in the Gazette of India and is accepted as a law from the day of assent.