Public bill is introduced in parliament by a minister. It is a proposed law that would apply to everyone under its jurisdiction. There are two types of bills introduced in Parliament: Public bills and Private bills. Despite the fact that both the bills are controlled by the same general procedure and go through the same stages in the House. Public bills reflect government policy (ruling party). It has a better probability of being approved by parliament. If it is defeated in the lower chamber of parliament, the government may resign. 

This article explains the Public bill is important for UPSC IAS exam preparation. 

What is Public Bill?

• A public bill, sometimes known as a government bill, is the result of a legislative effort that the government submits to Parliament for approval and possible amendment before becoming law. 
• And those measures may incorporate financial provisions if they are related to a topic of public interest.
• A public bill is introduced in Parliament by a minister.
• It reflects the policy of the government (governing party).
• It has a stronger chance of passing through Parliament.
• The House's rejection indicates a lack of parliamentary confidence in the administration, which might lead to its departure.
• It must be introduced seven days in advance in the House.
• It is written in consultation with the legal department by the relevant department.
• Any day of the week, a government bill can be proposed and debated.

Public Bill - Related Constitutional Provisions

• Article 107 is concerned with ordinary bills which contain matter other than financial matters.
• Article 108 of India's Constitution provides for joint sittings of both Houses.
  • The President convenes a joint session of Parliament, which is presided over by the Speaker or, in his absence, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha or, in his absence, the Deputy-Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Article 118 (3) establishes the rules set by the president in the event of a Joint Sitting.

Examples

• Citizenship (Amendment) Bill
• The InstantTriple TalaqBill
• Jammu and KashmirReorganisation Bill, 2019
• Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019
• The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Bill, 2019

Conclusion

The procedure for bill passage at the Union level requires the bill to pass through two legislative houses of parliament. However, in the case of the states, it is determined by the type of legislatures they have, whether bicameral or unicameral.

FAQs

Question. What is a public bill in the context of Indian polity?

Question. What are the different types of public bills in India?

Question. What is the process of passing a public bill in India?

Question. What is the difference between a public bill and a private bill in India?

Question. What happens if the President withholds assent to a public bill in India?

MCQs

1. Who can introduce a public bill in the Parliament?

A) Only a member of the Rajya Sabha

B) Only a member of the Lok Sabha

C) Any member of Parliament, including Ministers and Private Members

D) Only the President

2. Which of the following is true about a money bill in India?

A) It can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha

B) It can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha

C) It does not require the President’s assent

D) It can be introduced by any member of Parliament

3. What is the first stage of a public bill’s passage in Parliament?

A) Second Reading

B) Committee Stage

C) Third Reading

D) First Reading

4. What happens if both Houses of Parliament disagree on a public bill?

A) The President decides the outcome

B) The bill is rejected immediately

C) A joint session of Parliament is convened to resolve the disagreement

D) The bill automatically lapses

5. What is the role of the President in the passage of a public bill?

A) To approve or reject the bill after it has passed both Houses of Parliament

B) To introduce the bill in Parliament

C) To debate the bill

D) To veto the bill permanently

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the process of passing a public bill in the Indian Parliament, highlighting the stages it goes through before becoming law.

Answer: The process of passing a public bill in the Indian Parliament involves multiple stages to ensure thorough debate and scrutiny. The first stage is the First Reading, during which the title and objectives of the bill are formally read out. Next, during the Second Reading, the general principles of the bill are debated, and a vote is taken. If the bill is approved, it moves to the Committee Stage, where detailed examination and amendments are made. After the committee's review, the bill proceeds to the Third Reading, where further debate occurs, and a final vote is taken. Once passed in one House, it is sent to the other House for consideration. If both Houses approve the bill, it is sent to the President for assent. The President’s assent makes the bill into law, although the President may withhold assent under certain circumstances. This comprehensive process ensures that bills are carefully evaluated before becoming part of the legal framework.

Q2: Examine the differences between a public bill and a private bill in the context of the Indian legislative process.

Answer: In the Indian legislative process, public bills and private bills differ primarily in their scope and the individuals who introduce them. Public bills are those that address issues of general public interest and affect the entire population. They are introduced by government ministers or private members and can deal with a wide range of topics, from taxes to social reforms. Private bills, on the other hand, are usually introduced by private members (those who are not part of the government) and focus on local issues, specific groups, or personal matters. While public bills are more common and are passed with broader government support, private bills require a greater effort to garner approval and may not always become law. The passage of both types of bills follows the same formal legislative procedure in Parliament, but their impact and the process of garnering support differ.

Q3: Analyze the significance of the President’s role in the legislative process of public bills in India.

Answer: The President’s role in the legislative process of public bills in India is crucial, as the President’s assent is the final step in the process of a bill becoming law. After a bill is passed by both Houses of Parliament, it is sent to the President for approval. The President has the constitutional authority to either give assent, withhold assent, or reserve the bill for the President’s discretion (in the case of bills affecting state governance or national interests). The President’s decision ensures that the bill is consistent with the Constitution and the national interest. While the President typically grants assent, the ability to withhold assent provides a safeguard against potential legal or constitutional violations. Thus, the President’s role acts as a check on the power of Parliament and ensures that laws passed align with constitutional principles.

Previous Year Questions on  Public Bill

1. UPSC 2020

Question: Discuss the significance of public bills in the Indian Parliament and analyze the process of their passage.

Answer: This question required an in-depth discussion of the role of public bills in Indian Parliament, focusing on their passage, stages, and implications for policy-making and governance. It also required analysis of the constitutional provisions governing the passage of bills and their significance in shaping public policy.

2. UPSC 2019

Question: Examine the process of introducing and passing a public bill in India, highlighting the role of both Houses of Parliament and the President.

Answer: This question asked candidates to explain the legislative process of introducing and passing a public bill, covering key stages like the First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Third Reading, and the final President’s assent. It also required a focus on the interaction between Parliament and the President in the law-making process.