What are the matters with respect to which a Bill needs a prior consent of the President before it is introduced in Parliament? Explain.

Indian Parliament is composed of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the President. Every bill passed by two houses becomes a law only after assent of president and hence president is an integral part of parliament. However there are certain bills that require prior recommendation of president before introduction in parliament. These include:

• Bills that seek to change or alter name, boundaries, area of a state or form a new state by separation of territory from any state under Article 3 of Indian constitution. This is essential to preserve principle of federalism.
• Money bill under Article 110 and financial bill under Article 117(I). This is to keep a check on arbitrary state power in matters of taxation.
• State bills which impose restriction upon freedom of trade under Article 304. This provision ensures unrestricted trade between states except on reasonable and non-discriminatory grounds.
• Bill which imposes or varies any tax or duty in which states are interested under Article 274, to ensure financial autonomy of state and fiscal federalism.

Topics: GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States