Question

In the law-making process in India the bill is put to vote in both Houses of the Parliament after the _____.
A. Third reading
B. Second reading
C. First reading
D. Committee stage

Answer 1

Hint:At this stage, discussions are only in terms of support and rejection of the bill. Only formal or verbal amendments can be moved at this stage.

Complete answer:
The draft of a legislative proposal is called a ‘Bill’. A bill passes through several stages before becoming an Act of the Parliament. There are three stages that the bill has to pass in one house of the Parliament. Then it is sent to the other house where it has to pass through the same stages once again. This process is also very similar for the legislative assembly.
Third Reading – The third reading is the last reading where the debates and discussions are either in support or in opposition of the bill. Only formal or verbal amendments are allowed to be moved at this stage. It is after this stage that the bill is put to vote in whichever house it is introduced.
 Second Reading – The bill undergoes consideration at the second reading and it happens in two stages. In the first stage the bill and its underlying principle is discussed as a whole. In the second stage the bill is read, discussed and amended clause by clause.
First Reading – This is the first stage which begins with an introduction to bill by a Minister (for government bill) or a Private member (for a private bill). The member-in-charge of the bill asks for a leave to introduce the bill. If granted, the bill is introduced in the house and is known as the first reading of the bill.
Committee Stage – After the introduction of the bill the presiding officer of the house can refer the bill to a standing committee for examination and preparation of a report. This is the ‘committee stage’ in which the committee can seek public or expert opinions and after consideration submit a report to the house.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (A) Third reading.

Note:
For an ordinary bill, a simple majority of the members present in the house is required for passing the bill.
A constitutional amendment bill however, requires a majority of more than 2/3 of the members present in the house and from both the houses of the Parliament.
In Lok Sabha, the Speaker decides whether the bill is a money bill or not. In the Rajya Sabha the Vice-President decides whether the bill is a money bill or not.