What Are Private Members’ Bills? Can They Fill Gaps In Existing Laws?

 A Private Members’ Bill allows a Member of Parliament who is not a Minister to propose a new law, addressing issues that may not be covered by government bills or highlighting gaps in existing laws. Despite their importance, only a few private members’ bills have become laws, with around 300 listed for discussion in the current session of Parliament. Some of these bills cover topics like abolishing caste identities in educational institutions and legalizing same-sex marriage. However, since 1970, no private members’ bill has been passed by Parliament, making their impact relatively limited.

The process of introducing private members’ bills involves drafting the bill and providing one month’s notice, unless the Speaker permits a shorter notice. The Lok Sabha discusses these bills on Fridays during the last two and a half hours of a sitting, while the Rajya Sabha does so on alternate Fridays. The House secretariat examines the bill to ensure it aligns with constitutional provisions and rules before listing it. Typically, the motion for the introduction of a bill is not opposed, following convention.

On the other hand, a constitutional amendment involves changing the highest law of the land, the Constitution. Different types of constitutional amendments require varying levels of majority votes in Parliament, and some may also necessitate ratification by the states. The process begins with introducing a bill in either house of Parliament, which needs to pass with a specified majority of members. If the amendment affects constitutional provisions, it must be ratified by the states. Once the bill passes both houses and receives the President’s assent, it becomes an act, resulting in the amendment of the Constitution.