The dissolution of the Lok Sabha triggers specific constitutional consequences for pending legislation. Understanding which bills lapse and which survive is critical to ensuring legislative continuity and parliamentary accountability.
Any bill that is pending before the Lok Sabha at the time of its dissolution automatically lapses, regardless of the stage it has reached. This reflects the principle that the dissolved House loses its legislative mandate entirely, and unfinished business cannot be carried forward to a new House.
A bill passed by the Lok Sabha but awaiting consideration or passage in the Rajya Sabha also lapses upon dissolution of the Lok Sabha. The rationale is that the bill originated from a House that no longer exists, severing its legislative continuity. This rule underscores the interdependence of both Houses in the ordinary legislative process.
Where the President has notified the intention to summon a joint sitting of both Houses to resolve a deadlock over a bill, that bill does not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. This exception preserves the legislative effort invested and allows the newly constituted Lok Sabha to participate in the joint sitting, protecting the integrity of the deadlock-resolution mechanism.
A bill pending exclusively in the Rajya Sabha — one not yet passed by the Lok Sabha — does not lapse on dissolution. Since the Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, its pending business survives, though practical progress depends on the new Lok Sabha's willingness to re-engage.
The lapsing rules balance democratic renewal with legislative efficiency. Strengthening pre-legislative scrutiny and inter-session coordination can reduce the frequency with which substantive bills are lost to dissolution, improving overall parliamentary productivity.
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