Ordinary Bills in the Indian Parliament

An Ordinary Bill is a type of bill that can be introduced in either House of Parliament and deals with any subject except financial matters (like Money Bills and Financial Bills). These bills follow a detailed legislative process before becoming law.

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1. Definition of an Ordinary Bill

✅ An Ordinary Bill is a legislative proposal that does not deal with financial matters (like taxation, government spending, or borrowing).
✅ It can be introduced in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
✅ It requires approval from both Houses before being sent to the President for assent.

📌 Example:

• The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was passed as an Ordinary Bill.

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2. Key Features of an Ordinary Bill

✅ Can be introduced in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
✅ No special recommendation from the President is required before introduction.
✅ Can be rejected, amended, or delayed by Rajya Sabha (Unlike a Money Bill).
✅ Can be sent for reconsideration by the President.
✅ Requires a simple majority in both Houses for passage.

📌 Example: The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 was an Ordinary Bill.

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3. Types of Ordinary Bills

Type of Ordinary Bill	Purpose
Government Bill	Introduced by a Minister on behalf of the government.
Private Member’s Bill	Introduced by an MP who is not a Minister.

📌 Example:

• The Aadhaar Bill (2016) was a Government Bill.
• Shashi Tharoor’s Bill on LGBTQ Rights was a Private Member’s Bill.

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4. Procedure for Passing an Ordinary Bill

🔹 Step 1: First Reading

• The bill is introduced in either House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
• The title and objectives are read out.
• No debate takes place at this stage.

🔹 Step 2: Second Reading (Detailed Discussion & Committee Stage)

• Detailed discussion on the bill takes place.
• The bill may be sent to a Parliamentary Committee for review.
• Members propose amendments.

🔹 Step 3: Third Reading (Final Vote in the First House)

• The House votes on the final version of the bill.
• If passed, it moves to the other House.

🔹 Step 4: Consideration in the Other House

• The same three readings occur in the other House.
• If approved without changes, it moves to the President for assent.
• If changes are made, it is sent back to the first House for approval.

🔹 Step 5: Presidential Assent (Article 111)

• The President can:
  1. Approve the bill (It becomes law).
  2. Return the bill for reconsideration.
  3. Withhold approval (Veto the Bill).

📌 Example:

• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was an Ordinary Bill that followed this process.

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5. Ordinary Bill vs. Money Bill vs. Constitutional Amendment Bill

Feature	Ordinary Bill	Money Bill	Constitutional Amendment Bill
Deals With	General laws (except finance)	Taxation, borrowing, government spending	Amendment of the Constitution
Can be introduced in	Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha	Only Lok Sabha	Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha’s Power	Can delay or amend	Can delay only for 14 days	Can reject or amend
President’s Assent	Can return for reconsideration	Must approve	Cannot return for reconsideration
Voting Requirement	Simple majority	Simple majority	Special majority (2/3rd of members present & voting)

📌 Example:

• The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was an Ordinary Bill.
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2016 was a Constitutional Amendment Bill.

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6. Key Articles Related to Ordinary Bills

Article	Provision
Article 107	Introduction and passage of Ordinary Bills
Article 108	Joint sitting of Parliament (if there is a deadlock on a Bill)
Article 111	President’s Assent to Bills
Article 75	Ministers are collectively responsible to Parliament
Article 123	President’s Ordinance-making power (when Parliament is not in session)

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7. MCQs on Ordinary Bills

1. In which House of Parliament can an Ordinary Bill be introduced?

a) Only in Lok Sabha
b) Only in Rajya Sabha
c) Either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha
d) Only in the President’s Office
✅ Answer: c) Either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha

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2. What type of majority is required to pass an Ordinary Bill?

a) Special Majority
b) Two-thirds Majority
c) Simple Majority
d) Absolute Majority
✅ Answer: c) Simple Majority

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3. Who can introduce an Ordinary Bill?

a) Only the Prime Minister
b) Only the President
c) Any Member of Parliament (MP)
d) Only a Cabinet Minister
✅ Answer: c) Any Member of Parliament (MP)

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4. Under which article is the Ordinary Bill procedure mentioned?

a) Article 107
b) Article 110
c) Article 368
d) Article 123
✅ Answer: a) Article 107

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5. What happens if Rajya Sabha does not approve an Ordinary Bill?

a) It is sent to the President for approval
b) A Joint Sitting of Parliament is called (Article 108)
c) The Bill is automatically passed
d) The Speaker of Lok Sabha decides
✅ Answer: b) A Joint Sitting of Parliament is called (Article 108)

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6. What action can the President take on an Ordinary Bill?

a) Approve the Bill
b) Return the Bill for reconsideration
c) Withhold approval (Veto)
d) All of the above
✅ Answer: d) All of the above

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7. Which of the following is NOT an Ordinary Bill?

a) Right to Education Bill
b) Criminal Law Amendment Bill
c) Annual Budget Bill
d) Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill
✅ Answer: c) Annual Budget Bill (It is a Money Bill)

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8. Conclusion

An Ordinary Bill is a general legislative proposal that can be introduced in either House of Parliament. It follows a three-stage process in both Houses, and the President has the power to approve or reject it. Unlike Money Bills, an Ordinary Bill can be amended or delayed by Rajya Sabha.

For competitive exams, understanding the procedure, articles, and differences between Ordinary, Money, and Constitutional Amendment Bills is essential. Stay updated with recent legislative changes to strengthen your preparation! ✅📚

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