The procedure of passing an ordinary bill in a State Legislature is the following:

1. Introduction and First Reading: Normally a notice of one month is required for introducing a bill. Some bills can be

introduced with the previous sanction of the President. After introduction, the bill is printed in the government gazette.

2. Second Reading: Time is fixed for the second reading of the bill after the introduction and the first reading by stages are over. The aims and objects of the bill are discussed at this stage. Its provisions are not touched except for the sake of reference. Normally, the bill is sent to the Select Committee after the second reading stage.

3. The Committee Stage: Normally, the names of the members of the Select Committee are given in the bill by the member who sponsors it. Its chairman is appointed by the Speaker. There are members of both the sides, i.e., the ruling party and the opposition in a committee. The meetings of the Committee are not public. Even the proceedings are not recorded, only the decisions are recorded.

4. The Report Stage: The bill is reported back to the House after it has been fully discussed in the committee. It is done through a report of the chairman of the committee.

5. The Third Reading: This is the last stage in the life of a bill in a House. No long discussion takes place at this stage. No material amendments can be made. Only verbal amendments can be proposed and passed so that the meaning of the clauses may become clear.