Legislative Procedure in India

India is a democratic country as well as an emerging nation. India’s Independence from the British was on 15th August, 1947 and the first-ever Constitution of India was adopted on 26th November, 1949 after which the Indian legislature was formed. There are two Houses in India which consist of up to 543 members for Lok Sabha(House of People) and 245 members for Rajya Sabha(Council). This article will highlight Legislative Procedure along with its significance. The Parliamentary System is an integral part of the government system in major democracies like US, UK etc.

What is Legislative Procedure?

Legislative Procedure is the procedure followed in the parliament in making laws. The subject of Legislative Procedure will be dealt here in detail with detailed explanation of the procedure followed by the parliament and its features. The Indian Parliament has its own procedure to make laws and it is called the Legislative Process .  The legislative process that is carried out by Parliament consists of three parts, Rajya Sabha(Council or House), Lok Sabha(House) and Parliamentary Standing Committee. 

Objective of Legislative Procedure in India:

There is a very distinct objective behind the conduct of Legislative Procedure in India. This procedure aims at providing the parliamentary procedure to make laws in India. It will be seen that the Parliament acts as a non-political House. The members of Parliament are not expected to vote party lines as some people think. But they have to vote on the basis of their conscience and only then they can consider themselves independent minded enough to act as well.  In other words, it is a procedure used by them to protect the rights of all people including minorities, women etc., and above all promote rule of law in India which includes several checks and balances like judiciary and other judicial systems.

Significance of Legislative Procedure in India:

The Legislative Procedure in the parliament is necessary for the well-being of the nation. The Legislative Procedure is necessary to make laws related to all branches of government. For example, if any new law needs to be introduced with regard to education, then it has to be done through legislative procedure as there is no other way out rather than making a parliament act on the subject.

The legislative process consists of three parts-

1. Introduction-

After taking up an item from the agenda, which is submitted by the minister or a member before the House or Council, it will be introduced and put forward for debate or discussion. 

2. Second Reading-

The bill will be read a second time or second reading which is done by the speaker who will put forth the bill for debate before the house or council. 

3. Third Reading-

The bill will be moved to the council or house for their consideration to form a committee for further discussions and amendments in order to bring it into true form. The amendment can be introduced if it is detrimental for the society. The amendments will again be argued upon by both houses. After the approval of the bill, it will be passed by both houses.

Conclusion:

Legislative Procedure in India is the procedure to make laws. It consists of three parts, Rajya Sabha(Council), Lok Sabha(House) and Parliamentary Standing Committee. After taking up an item from the agenda, which is submitted by the minister or a member before the House or Council, it will be introduced and put forward for debate or discussion. The bill will be read a second time or second reading which is done by the speaker who will put forth the bill for debate before the house and finally it will be passed by both houses.