Legislative Practice and Procedure

Unit I — Structure and Types of Legislatures

Nature and types of legislatures: Unicameral and Bicameral · Composition and functioning of the Parliament of India and State Legislatures · Distinction between Parliament, Assembly, and Council · Qualifications, tenure, and privileges of legislators

• Legislature and Executive under the Indian Constitution Unicameral and bicameral Legislatures
• Qualification, Disqualification and Privileges of — Members of Parliament Members of Legislative Assembly Anti-Defection Law (Xth Schedule)

Unit II — Legislative Process in India

Introduction to a Bill: Types (Government, Private Member, Money, Finance, Constitutional Amendment) · Stages in the enactment of a law · Role of the President/Governor in assent and promulgation · Delegated legislation: Need and safeguards

• Law making procedure
• Qualification, Powers, and functions of — President and Vice-president Union Council of Ministers Governor State Council of Ministers
• Delegated Legislation
• Safeguards and Controls on Delegated Legislation

Unit III — Parliamentary Procedures and Devices

Question Hour, Zero Hour, Half-an-Hour Discussion, and Short Duration Discussion · Motions: Adjournment, No-Confidence, Censure, and Calling Attention · Budget Process and Money Bill procedures · Role of the Speaker and the Chairman

Unit IV — Committees and Oversight Mechanisms

Importance of Parliamentary Committees · Standing Committees and Department-related Standing Committees · Financial Committees: PAC, Estimates Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings · Committee Reports and their legal significance

Unit V — Drafting and Reform Techniques

Basics of legislative drafting: Format, language, structure · Use of legislative precedents and case laws · Law Commission of India and legislative reforms · Digital platforms: PRS Legislative Research, e-Sansad, and National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)

• Drafting of Bills and Amendment Bills