Polity & Governance GS 2 In the news 14 times

Parliamentary Procedure

Introduction of Bills and Standing Committee Reference

Under the Constitution of India and Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha, a Bill passes through three readings in each House. The introduction (First Reading) is largely procedural — it does not require the bill's acceptance on merits. The debate on principles occurs at Second Reading. Before Second Reading, a bill can be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee (Department-related Standing Committees, DRSCs) or a Select/Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed scrutiny.

Key details

Constitution Article 107: Bills other than Money Bills may originate in either House; must pass both Houses
Constitution Article 108: Joint Sitting provision — used only 3 times (Dowry Prohibition Bill 1961, Banking Service Commission Repeal Bill 1978, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002)
Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs): 24 committees covering all ministries; examine bills, demands for grants, policy matters
Opposition tactic of opposing "introduction": While opposition can object to introduction on grounds of unconstitutionality, in practice, introduction is almost never blocked — it is a political signal demanding committee scrutiny
Finance Bills and Money Bills (Article 110): cannot be referred to the Rajya Sabha as an equal partner — Rajya Sabha's role is recommendation only; Companies Act amendments are not Money Bills, so RS has equal powers

In the news

● Tracked since March 23, 2026 · last seen August 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

11 Aug '26

Rajya Sabha passes Tribunals Reforms Bill in Opposition’s absence