The impending reintroduction of multiple legislative Bills in India’s Lower House, the Lok Sabha, is on the horizon. This follows the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, which has led to a lapse of 22 significant Bills. Among these are important pieces of legislation such as the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, the Consumer Protection Bill, and the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill.
Understanding Dissolution and Lapsed Bills
In the Indian governmental system, only the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies are subject to dissolution. The Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Council are not privy to this provision. Following the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, all business pending before it, or its committees, including Bills, motions, resolutions, notices, and petitions, lapses. These provisions are outlined under Articles 107 and 108 of the Indian Constitution.
Key Lapsed Bills
Several key Bills have lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. Notably among them are:
– The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018
– Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill
– Companies (Amendment) Bill
– Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill
– Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill
– Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill
– Consumer Protection Bill
– Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill
– DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill
Each of these Bills addresses crucial areas of law, governance, and civil rights.
When Does a Bill Lapse?
There are specific conditions that lead to a Bill being considered as lapsed. Primarily, if a Bill originates in the Lok Sabha and remains pending in the Lower House, it lapses with the dissolution of the House. Additionally, a Bill originating and passed by the Rajya Sabha but pending in the Lok Sabha also lapses with the dissolution of the latter. The same applies to Bills originating and passed in the Lok Sabha but still pending in the Rajya Sabha; they, too, are considered lapsed.
| Bill | Date Introduced | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 | December 17, 2018 | Lapsed |
| Consumer Protection Bill | December 20, 2018 | Lapsed |
| DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill | January 8, 2019 | Lapsed |
When Does a Bill Not Lapse?
Contrarily, there are conditions when a Bill does not lapse despite the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. This could be when a Bill is pending in the Rajya Sabha but has not been passed by the Lok Sabha. Additionally, Bills cleared by both Houses but pending assent from the President, or those returned by the President for reconsideration of Rajya Sabha, do not lapse. The same applies if the President has notified the holding of a joint sitting before the dissolution of Lok Sabha. A clear understanding of such intricacies is essential in comprehending the larger legislative process in India.
