With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:
1. When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.
2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.
3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[amp_mcq option1=”Only one” option2=”Only two” option3=”All three” option4=”None” correct=”option3″]
Statement 2 is correct. Money Bills, as defined under Article 110, have a special procedure outlined in Article 109. Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. Once passed by the Lok Sabha, they are transmitted to the Rajya Sabha, which cannot amend or reject the Bill. Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept. If Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form passed by the Lok Sabha.
Statement 3 is correct. Article 108 of the Constitution provides for a joint sitting of both Houses to resolve disagreements on ordinary Bills. Money Bills are specifically excluded from the scope of joint sittings; the special procedure under Article 109 ensures that the Lok Sabha’s will prevails. Finance Bills, being treated primarily as ordinary bills (except for introduction requirements for Part A), are subject to the joint sitting mechanism in case of a deadlock between the Houses.
– Money Bills have a special procedure giving Lok Sabha pre-eminence.
– Joint sitting is available for ordinary Bills and Finance Bills, but not for Money Bills.