UPSC Prelims 2024 Q68: Indian Polity – Parliamentary Procedures
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Money Bill in Parliament - Statement Analysis
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills | TRUE | Article 109 specifically lays down the special procedure for Money Bills in Parliament - covering introduction, Rajya Sabha's limited role, and deemed passage. |
| 2 | A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) | TRUE | Under Article 110, Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha cannot initiate a Money Bill. |
| 3 | Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it | TRUE | Rajya Sabha can either pass the Money Bill, suggest amendments, or sit on it for 14 days. If it suggests amendments or does not return it within 14 days, the Lok Sabha can accept or reject those suggestions. Rajya Sabha CANNOT reject a Money Bill. |
| 4 | Amendments suggested by Rajya Sabha to a Money Bill have to be accepted by Lok Sabha | FALSE | Lok Sabha is NOT obligated to accept Rajya Sabha's suggestions. The suggestions are recommendatory only - Lok Sabha can choose to accept or reject them. |
Correct: Statements 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, but Statement 3 is also correct - Rajya Sabha indeed cannot reject a Money Bill, only suggest changes (which are not binding on Lok Sabha).
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is correct (Money Bills only in Lok Sabha), but Statement 1 is also correct (Article 109 covers Money Bill procedure). Statement 4 is the false one.
- (c) CORRECT. Statements 1 (Article 109 procedure), 2 (introduced only in Lok Sabha), and 3 (Rajya Sabha can suggest but not reject) are all correct. Statement 4 is false - RS suggestions are not binding on LS.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 4 is false - Rajya Sabha's suggested amendments to a Money Bill are recommendatory. Lok Sabha has the discretion to accept or reject them.
Key point
Money Bills: introduced only in Lok Sabha (Article 110). Rajya Sabha cannot reject, only suggest amendments (not binding). Article 109 = special procedure. RS suggestions are recommendations only - Lok Sabha can ignore them.
Remember
Money Bills must be introduced in Lok Sabha only. Rajya Sabha cannot reject them, only suggest amendments. Lok Sabha is NOT obligated to accept Rajya Sabha's suggestions on Money Bills.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Rajya Sabha's amendments to a Money Bill are binding on Lok Sabha - they are only recommendations. Lok Sabha's will is final on Money Bills.
- Confusing the 14-day rule for Rajya Sabha: if RS does not return a Money Bill within 14 days of receiving it, the bill is deemed to have been passed by both houses.
- Not knowing Article 109 specifically covers Money Bill procedure and Article 110 defines what constitutes a Money Bill.
Exam tip
Money Bill flow: Lok Sabha introduces > Rajya Sabha (14 days, can suggest, cannot reject) > Lok Sabha (accepts/rejects RS suggestions) > President's assent. Rajya Sabha is powerless on Money Bills - it can only delay by 14 days and suggest (non-binding) changes.
Sources
- Constitution of India - Articles 109 and 110
- NCERT Class 11 Political Science - Chapter 5: Legislature