In the context of distinctions existing between a Public Bill and a Private Bill, select the statement/statements that is/are valid:

I. A Private Bill which has been introduced by a Member of Parliament sitting in the opposition and which has been approved by the House will have to be referred to the law department for consultation.

II. A Public Bill is always introduced in the Parliament by the Minister or a member of the government party.

III. A Private Bill will not reflect the policy of the government but upon its approval by the House, a Private Bill would have reflected the policy of the government.

IV. Public Bills and Private Bills, regardless of the differences between them, are governed by the same general procedure, and are required to be passed through

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Key Points

• Public Bills are those which are introduced by a Minister in the Parliament. They reflect the policies of the government and are presented as part of the government's legislative agenda.
• Private Bills are introduced by any Member of Parliament who is not a minister. These do not reflect the policies of the government and are often introduced by members from the opposition parties.
• Despite the differences in their origin and purpose, both Public Bills and Private Bills follow the same general legislative procedure in Parliament. They must pass through several readings in both Houses and receive the President's assent to become law.
• Once a Private Bill is approved by the House, it does not automatically reflect the policy of the government unless the government adopts it. Therefore, it is not referred to the law department for consultation unless the government decides to take it up.

Additional Information

• Public Bill: A legislative proposal brought forward by a Minister. These bills deal with public policy issues and affect the public at large. Examples include bills related to taxation, public health, and national defense.
• Private Bill: A legislative proposal brought forward by a Member of Parliament who is not a minister. These bills usually address specific private interests or issues that affect particular individuals or organizations. Examples include bills to grant citizenship to specific individuals or to authorize the construction of a specific infrastructure project.
• Legislative Procedure: Both Public and Private Bills go through the same stages in Parliament which include:
  • First Reading: Introduction of the bill and its publication.
  • Second Reading: General discussion on the bill's principles and provisions.
  • Committee Stage: Detailed examination, discussion, and amendment of the bill's clauses.
  • Report Stage: Consideration of the bill as amended in the committee.
  • Third Reading: Final discussion and approval of the bill.
  • Consideration by the other House: The bill goes through similar stages in the other House of Parliament.
  • Presidential Assent: The bill becomes law after receiving the President's assent.
• Role of Law Department: The Law Department provides legal advice and ensures that the legislative proposals are in compliance with the existing legal framework. For Private Bills, the government may consult the Law Department if it decides to adopt the bill as part of its policy.