Q. 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 only
  • 1 and 2
  • 2 and 3
  • 3 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 2

Lapsing of Bills in Parliament:
  • It is only Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies that are subject to dissolution, there is no provision of dissolution for Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Council.
  • When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, all business including bills, motions, resolutions, notices, petitions pending before it or its committee’s lapses.
  • Articles 107 and 108 of the Indian Constitution deal with these provisions.
When does a Bill lapse?
  • A Bill that originates in the Lok Sabha and remains pending in the Lower House itself is considered lapsed with the dissolution of the House.
  • A Bill that originates and is passed by the Rajya Sabha, but is pending in the Lok Sabha also lapses with the dissolution of the Lower House.
  • Bills that originate and are passed in the Lok Sabha but are pending in the Rajya Sabha are also considered lapsed.
  • Bill that originates and is passed in the Rajya Sabha but is returned with amendments to the Upper House by the Lok Sabha and then does not get the clearance of the Rajya Sabha is considered to have lapsed on the date of dissolution of the Lower House.
When does a Bill not lapse?

There are instances when certain Bills, despite the dissolution of the Lower House, are not considered to have lapsed.

  • A Bill that is pending in the Rajya Sabha but is not passed by the Lok Sabha.
  • Bills that have cleared both the Houses but are pending assent from the President.
  • If the president has notified the holding of a joint sitting before the dissolution of Lok Sabha.
  • A bill passed by both Houses but returned by the president for reconsideration of Rajya Sabha.
  • Pending bills and all pending assurances that are to be examined by the Committee on Government Assurances.