With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements: 1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution. 2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. 3. A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 and 2
Understanding Lapsing of Bills in Indian Parliament
The dissolution of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) has specific effects on the status of various bills pending before the Parliament. Understanding these rules is crucial for comprehending the legislative process in India.
Analysis of Statements on Bill Lapsing
Let's examine each statement regarding the lapsing of a bill upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha:
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Statement 1: A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution.
This statement is correct. When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, all business pending before it at that time comes to an end. This includes bills that were introduced in the Lok Sabha and are still pending there (either at introduction stage, discussion stage, or awaiting assent after passing).
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Statement 2: A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
This statement is also correct. If a bill originates in the Lok Sabha, is passed by it, and is then sent to the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) for its consideration, it is still considered contingent on the existence and actions of the Lok Sabha. Upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, such a bill, although pending in the Rajya Sabha, lapses because the original House (Lok Sabha) that passed it no longer exists in its previous form.
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Statement 3: A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
This statement is incorrect. Article 108 of the Constitution of India deals with joint sittings of both Houses in certain cases. If the President has notified his intention to summon a joint sitting to resolve a deadlock on a bill, that bill is specifically protected from lapsing due to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. This is an important exception to the general rule of lapse.
Summary of Analysis
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 is correct.
- Statement 2 is correct.
- Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 2.
Revision Table: Lapsing of Bills upon Lok Sabha Dissolution
| Bill Status | Effect of Lok Sabha Dissolution | Lapse or Not? |
|---|---|---|
| Pending in Lok Sabha (introduced in Lok Sabha) | All business before Lok Sabha ends | Lapses |
| Passed by Lok Sabha, pending in Rajya Sabha | Originating House dissolved | Lapses |
| Pending in Rajya Sabha (introduced in Rajya Sabha) | Not dependent on Lok Sabha directly | Does NOT lapse |
| Passed by Rajya Sabha, pending in Lok Sabha | Pending before Lok Sabha | Lapses |
| Passed by both Houses, pending President's assent | Bill completed legislative journey | Does NOT lapse |
| Referred to Joint Committee, pending before either House | Status depends on which House it was pending before reference and after report | Generally lapses if pending in Lok Sabha or originated/passed by Lok Sabha and pending elsewhere |
| President notified joint sitting | Explicit constitutional protection (Article 108) | Does NOT lapse |
Additional Information on Bill Lifecycle and Dissolution
The process of a bill becoming an Act involves stages in both Houses of Parliament and the President's assent. The dissolution of the Lok Sabha is a significant event that interrupts this process for certain types of bills.
- A bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha and still pending there does not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha because the Rajya Sabha is a continuous chamber.
- A bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha, passed by it, and pending in the Lok Sabha will lapse upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha because it is pending business before the dissolved House.
- A bill passed by both Houses but awaiting the President's assent does not lapse because it has completed its passage through Parliament.
These rules are derived from Article 107 and 108 of the Constitution of India and the Rules of Procedure of the respective Houses.
Important Questions from Parliamentary System
- Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): India has a Parliamentary system of Government.
Reason (R): In India, the executive is responsible to the legislature.
Select the correct answer from the code given below: Statement I : The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution and the members enjoy a tenure of six years
Statement II : According to Article 83 of the Constitution of India, one third of members of Rajya Sabha retire every two years- Which one of the following statements with regard to the revised ceiling on poll expenditure for elections in India is correct?
