Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
- A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC Prelims 2016)
Answer:
2 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] 2 only. The rules regarding the lapsing of bills are governed by Article 107 of the Constitution of India and the Rules of Procedure of the Houses.
- Statement 1 (Incorrect): Prorogation is the termination of a session of the House. According to Article 107, a bill pending in Parliament does not lapse on the prorogation of the House. Only notices (other than those for introducing bills) lapse upon prorogation.
- Statement 2 (Correct): A bill that originated in the Rajya Sabha and is still pending there—provided it has not been passed by the Lok Sabha—does not lapse upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Since the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and the bill has not yet been "touched" by the lower house, it remains alive.
Key Rules for Lapsing on Dissolution:- Lapses: Bills pending in the Lok Sabha (whether originated there or transmitted by Rajya Sabha) and bills passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha.
- Does Not Lapse: Bills pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha; bills passed by both Houses but pending Presidential assent; and bills returned by the President for reconsideration.