Delaying a Money Bill in Rajya Sabha

Money Bills are related to financial matters such as taxation, borrowing, spending, etc. and are introduced in Lok Sabha. However, Rajya Sabha also has a role in the passage of Money Bills. Let's understand how long can Rajya Sabha delay a Money Bill:

Constitutional Provision:

- Article 109 of the Indian Constitution deals with Money Bills.
- As per this article, a Money Bill can be introduced only in Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha cannot make amendments to it.
- Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments, which Lok Sabha may or may not accept.
- Moreover, Rajya Sabha cannot delay the passage of a Money Bill for more than 14 days.

Delaying a Money Bill:

- If a Money Bill is passed by Lok Sabha and sent to Rajya Sabha, then Rajya Sabha has to return the Bill to Lok Sabha within 14 days.
- During these 14 days, Rajya Sabha can:

- Discuss the Bill and recommend amendments to Lok Sabha.
- Delay the passage of the Bill by not returning it to Lok Sabha.

- However, Rajya Sabha cannot make amendments to the Bill.
- If Rajya Sabha recommends any amendments, then Lok Sabha may or may not accept them.
- If Lok Sabha rejects the amendments recommended by Rajya Sabha, then the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by Lok Sabha.
- If Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill to Lok Sabha within 14 days, then the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses.
- However, if the Bill is returned with or without amendments, and Lok Sabha passes it again with or without the recommended amendments, then the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Rajya Sabha cannot delay a Money Bill for more than 14 days. During this period, Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments to Lok Sabha, but Lok Sabha has the final say. If Lok Sabha rejects the amendments, then the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by Lok Sabha.