Q.14. Describe the law-making process in the Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh.

In Uttar Pradesh, which has a bicameral legislature, a bill can be introduced in either the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) or, the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council). Here’s how a bill typically passes through both houses:

• Introduction of the Bill: A bill can be introduced by either a minister or a private member. If introduced by a minister, it’s known as a Government Bill, and if by a private member, it’s called a Private Member’s Bill.

• First Reading: The bill is read for the first time. This reading is formal, and there’s no debate at this stage.
• Publication of the Bill: After the first reading, the bill is published in the Uttar Pradesh Gazette, allowing the public to view the bill and submit comments and suggestions.
• Second Reading: The bill is presented to the assembly for the second reading, where the assembly debates the bill in principle. The assembly may vote to accept, reject, or send the bill to a Select Committee for further consideration.
• Select Committee Stage: If referred to a Select Committee, the committee examines the bill in detail and makes recommendations to the assembly.
• Committee Stage: After the Select Committee stage, the bill is presented to the assembly for the Committee Stage, where the assembly debates each clause of the bill and may make amendments if necessary.
• Third Reading: Following the Committee Stage, the bill is presented for the third reading, which is the final stage of the law-making process. The assembly votes to pass or reject the bill.
• Vidhan Parishad’s Consideration: If passed by the Vidhan Sabha, the bill moves to the Vidhan Parishad. Here, it goes through a similar process of readings and debate.
• Vidhan Sabha’s Final Say: In case of disagreements on the bill between the two houses, the Vidhan Sabha has the final say. The Vidhan Parishad can suggest amendments but cannot veto bills passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
• Governor’s Assent: Once both houses pass the bill, it is sent to the Governor for assent. The Governor may give assent, return it for reconsideration, or reserve it for the President of India’s consideration.
• Commencement of the Act: Once the bill receives the Governor’s assent, it becomes an Act and comes into effect on the date specified in the Act.

In addition to these stages, there are various other procedures that can be followed in the law-making process, such as introducing money bills, private member bills, and the use of joint parliamentary committees. For instance, Money Bills can only be introduced in the Vidhan Sabha and must be sent to the Vidhan Parishad, which can suggest amendments but must return the bill to the Vidhan Sabha within 14 days. The Vidhan Sabha can accept or reject these suggestions. If the Vidhan Parishad does not return the bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both houses in the form it was passed by the Vidhan Sabha.

The process is designed to be thorough and deliberative, although it can be complex and time-consuming. It’s important to note that the law-making process is subject to change, and specific procedures may vary based on the type of bill and circumstances.