Pre-legislative consultation
Also called: Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy 2014 · Topic: Parliamentary Procedure, Committees and Privileges · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 10 "The Constitution of India: An Introduction"; Class 8, Ch 6 "The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive"
Meaning
Pre-legislative consultation means asking the public for views on a draft law before it goes to Parliament. Under a 2014 central policy, ministries should publish draft bills and give people at least 30 days to send comments. This lets citizens, experts and affected groups shape a law before it is fixed. Ministries follow the policy unevenly, and it is not a legal requirement.
Example
A ministry planning a new law first posts the draft bill on its website for 30 days. Farmers' groups, companies and citizens send comments. The ministry revises the draft before the Cabinet approves it and it is introduced in Parliament.
Don't confuse with
- Committee scrutiny: this happens after a bill is introduced, when MPs in a select committee or a departmentally related standing committee examine it. Pre-legislative consultation happens earlier and involves the public.