Article 109 of the Indian Constitution deals specifically with the procedure for passing a Money Bill in Parliament.
It outlines how a Money Bill is treated differently from other Bills, especially regarding the Rajya Sabha’s limited role in its passage.
📜 Simplified Explanation of Article 109
✅ What is a Money Bill?
A Money Bill is defined under Article 110, and it deals with matters like:
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Taxation
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Borrowing of money by the government
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Consolidated or Contingency Funds of India
🔹 Key Provisions of Article 109:
🔸 Clause (1): Money Bill can only be introduced in Lok Sabha
A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, not in the Rajya Sabha.
🔸 Clause (2): Rajya Sabha’s Limited Role
After Lok Sabha passes the Money Bill, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for recommendations.
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Rajya Sabha must return it within 14 days.
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It cannot reject or amend the Bill — it can only recommend changes.
🔸 Clause (3): Lok Sabha May Accept or Reject Recommendations
Lok Sabha may accept or reject Rajya Sabha’s suggestions. Its decision is final.
🔸 Clause (4): If Rajya Sabha Doesn’t Return in 14 Days
If the Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form passed by Lok Sabha.
✅ Key Points of Article 109
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Who can introduce a Money Bill? | ✅ Only in Lok Sabha, not Rajya Sabha |
| Role of Rajya Sabha | 🟡 Advisory only — can make suggestions within 14 days |
| Lok Sabha's decision | ✅ Final — may accept or reject Rajya Sabha’s recommendations |
| What if Rajya Sabha delays it? | ✅ Bill is deemed passed after 14 days |
🧾 Example
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In 2017, the Finance Bill (a Money Bill) was introduced in Lok Sabha.
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Rajya Sabha recommended changes.
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Lok Sabha rejected those changes and passed the original version — it became law.
⚠️ Note:
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Article 109 avoids deadlock between Houses for financial legislation.
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Rajya Sabha’s power is limited to avoid delays in money-related matters.
📌 Summary of Article 109
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Type of Bill | Money Bill only (defined in Article 110) |
| Origin | ✅ Only in Lok Sabha |
| Role of Rajya Sabha | 🟡 Only recommend changes — no power to reject or amend |
| Time limit for Rajya Sabha | ⏳ 14 days to return the Bill |
| Final authority | ✅ Lok Sabha has the final say |
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