Constitutional Cornerstones: Exploring Legislative Procedures and Powers in India's Parliament

Constitutional Cornerstones: Exploring Legislative Procedures and Powers in India's Parliament

Articles 107 to 111 of the Indian Constitution delineate the procedure and powers of the Indian Parliament, encompassing the legislative process, money bills, and the President's assent to enact laws.

Article 107: Procedure for Passing Bills

Article 107 outlines the procedure for passing bills in the Parliament, including the introduction, deliberation, and passage of bills in both Houses - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Article 108: Joint Sitting of Both Houses

Article 108 allows for a joint sitting of both Houses in case of a deadlock over the passage of a bill. It specifies the circumstances and procedure for such a joint sitting.

Article 109: Special Procedure for Money Bills

Article 109 specifies the special procedure for the enactment of money bills, which exclusively deal with financial matters such as taxation, government expenditure, or borrowing.

Article 110: Definition of Money Bills

Article 110 defines money bills and outlines the scope and characteristics of bills that fall under this category, emphasizing their exclusive focus on financial matters.

Article 111: Assent to Bills

Article 111 pertains to the President's assent to bills passed by both Houses of Parliament, delineating the procedure for the enactment of laws.

Modern Era Interpretation:

In the contemporary era, these articles continue to serve as the backbone of the legislative process in India. While not extensively backed by numerous case laws, their interpretation and application have evolved through legislative practices, constitutional principles, and occasional legal interventions.

Legislative Practices and Relevance:

The functioning of Parliament, the passage of significant bills, and the occasional deadlocks leading to joint sittings reflect the practical application of these articles, showcasing the intricate legislative processes and the constitutional framework in action.

Contemporary Relevance and Challenges:

In the contemporary landscape, Articles 107 to 111 face challenges related to ensuring the efficacy of the legislative process, handling deadlock situations, and maintaining the integrity of money bills.

Addressing potential delays or disruptions in the legislative process, ensuring robust scrutiny of bills, and maintaining transparency in the enactment of laws pose challenges in upholding the efficiency and effectiveness of these articles.

Conclusion:

Articles 107 to 111 of the Indian Constitution delineate the procedural aspects of the Indian Parliament, governing the legislative process, money bills, and the enactment of laws. While not heavily reliant on extensive case laws, their interpretation and application resonate with the constitutional principles and the need to ensure an effective and accountable legislative framework.

As India navigates through the complexities of governance in the 21st century, the need to uphold the integrity of legislative processes, address deadlock situations, and ensure transparency in the enactment of laws remains pivotal. Occasional legal interventions and evolving practices continue to shape and refine the operational aspects of these articles, underscoring their enduring significance in fostering an efficient and responsive parliamentary democracy within the Indian constitutional framework.