CAPF AC 2020 Q71: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Which one of the following is NOT a correct feature of a Money Bill?
- (a) It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha
- (b) A Deputy Speaker can also certify a Money Bill in case of office of Speaker falling vacant
- (c) A Speaker's authority is final as to whether a bill is Money Bill or not
- (d) It can be referred to a joint committee of the two Houses
Answer: (d) It can be referred to a joint committee of the two Houses
Explanation
Money Bill
How to think: on a Money Bill the Lok Sabha decides alone.
The Rajya Sabha can only suggest changes.
So there is nothing joint about it: no joint sitting and no joint committee.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| (a) It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha | True | Article 109; needs the President's recommendation |
| (b) A Deputy Speaker can also certify it if the office of Speaker is vacant | True | The Deputy Speaker performs the Speaker's duties (Article 95) |
| (c) The Speaker's authority is final as to whether a Bill is a Money Bill | True | Article 110(3) |
| (d) It can be referred to a joint committee of the two Houses | NOT correct | A Money Bill cannot go to a joint committee |
Passage of a Money Bill:
| Stage | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rajya Sabha | Must return it within 14 days; can only recommend |
| Lok Sabha | May accept or reject the recommendations |
| Joint sitting | Not allowed |
| President | May give or withhold assent, but cannot return it |
Answer: (d) It can be referred to a joint committee of the two Houses.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This is a true feature: a Money Bill starts only in the Lok Sabha.
- (b) Incorrect. This is a true feature: the Deputy Speaker acts when the Speaker's office is vacant.
- (c) Incorrect. This is a true feature: the Speaker's certificate is final.
- (d) CORRECT. This is not a feature: a Money Bill cannot be sent to a joint committee.
Key point
Money Bill (Article 110): only in Lok Sabha, President's recommendation, Speaker's certificate final, Rajya Sabha has 14 days and can only recommend, no joint sitting, no joint committee.
Remember
Money Bill: no joint sitting, no joint committee, 14 days in Rajya Sabha.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a joint sitting can settle a Money Bill; it cannot.
- Mixing up a Money Bill (Article 110) with a Financial Bill (Article 117).
- Believing the President can return a Money Bill for reconsideration.
Exam tip
Money Bill means Lok Sabha only. Any option with the word joint is false.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 95, 109 and 110
- NCERT Class XI Political Science — Indian Constitution at Work (Legislature)