How does a bill become an act in India?

A bill is a proposed law. It becomes an act after both houses of Parliament pass it and the President gives assent.

The usual steps for an ordinary bill:

• Introduction: a minister or a private member introduces the bill in either house.
• First reading: the bill is formally introduced and its title is read out.
• Second reading: the bill is discussed in detail, often by a parliamentary committee, and amendments are considered clause by clause.
• Third reading: the house votes on the final version.
• Other house: the same process is repeated in the second house.
• Assent: the President signs the bill, and it becomes an act and is published in the Gazette of India.

If the two houses disagree on an ordinary bill, the President can call a joint sitting, where the larger Lok Sabha usually has the upper hand. Money Bills are different: they start only in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes. When Parliament is not in session, the President can issue an ordinance, which must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of it meeting again or it lapses.