With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:

1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution.
2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
3. A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a Joint Sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Only Statements 1 and 2 are correct

• The position with respect to lapsing of bills is as follows:
  • A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses, regardless of whether it originated there or was transmitted from the Rajya Sabha.
  • A bill passed by the Lok Sabha but still pending in the Rajya Sabha also lapses.
  • A bill that has been passed by both Houses but is awaiting the President’s assent does not lapse.
  • A bill that has not been passed by both Houses due to disagreement does not lapse if the President has notified a joint sitting before the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
  • A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse.
  • A bill passed by both Houses but returned by the president for reconsideration by the Houses does not lapse.

Answer: (b) 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy