How Laws are Made

TN has a unicameral legislature (single house) — the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly with 234 members.

1

Drafting

Bill drafted by the sponsoring department

2

Introduction / First Reading

Minister introduces the bill in the Legislative Assembly

3

General Discussion / Second Reading

Principles and general provisions of the bill are debated

4

Clause-by-Clause Discussion

Each clause of the bill is discussed and voted upon

5

Third Reading / Voting

The bill is put to a final vote in the Assembly

6

Governor's Assent

Governor signs the bill into law or returns it

Types of Bills

Government Bills

Introduced by a Minister on behalf of the government. Most legislation falls under this category.

Private Member Bills

Introduced by any MLA who is not a Minister. Rarely passed but can influence government policy.

Money Bills

Deals with taxation, government spending, or borrowing. Can only be introduced by the government with Governor's recommendation.

Ordinances

Issued by the Governor when the Assembly is not in session. Has the same force as law but must be ratified within 6 weeks of the next session.

Key Facts

234

Total MLAs

24

Quorum (10%)

118 / 234

Simple Majority