In the legislative process of Parliament, a bill is normally read how many times in each House?

A bill normally goes through three readings in each House of Parliament before it is passed.

First reading:

• This stage is the introduction of the bill.
• The member in charge asks for leave of the House to introduce the bill.
• When leave is granted, the bill is introduced and published in the Gazette of India.
• Usually there is no discussion at this stage.

Second reading:

• This is the most important stage, because the bill is discussed in detail.
• It has three sub-stages.

General discussion: the principles of the bill are discussed. The House may take it into consideration at once, refer it to a select committee or a joint committee, or circulate it to elicit public opinion.

Committee stage: a select or joint committee examines the bill clause by clause and may suggest amendments.

Consideration stage: the House considers the bill clause by clause and votes on each clause and amendment.

Third reading:

• The debate is limited to the acceptance or rejection of the bill as a whole.
• No amendments are allowed at this stage.
• If a majority of members present and voting accept the bill, it is passed by that House.

In the second House:

• The bill goes through the same three readings in the other House.
• The second House may pass the bill, pass it with amendments, reject it or keep it without action.

After both Houses pass the bill:

• The bill is sent to the President for assent.
• The President may give assent, withhold assent or return the bill for reconsideration if it is not a Money Bill.
• If the bill is passed again by both Houses, the President must give assent.

Departmentally related standing committees:

Many bills are now referred to standing committees of Parliament for detailed study before the second reading.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Once, twice and four times do not match the normal procedure.