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Article 117

Part V — The Union · Constitution of India

Article 117

Special provisions as to financial Bills. (1) A Bill or amendment making provision for any of the matters specified in sub-clauses (a) to (f) of clause (1) of article 110 shall not be introduced or moved except on the recommendation of the President and a Bill making such provision shall not be introduced in the Council of States: Provided that no recommendation shall be required under this clause for the moving of an amendment making provision for the reduction or abolition of any tax. (2) A Bill or amendment shall not be deemed to make provision for any of the matters aforesaid by reason only that it provides for the imposition of fines or other pecuniary penalties, or for the demand or payment of fees for licences or fees for services rendered, or by reason that it provides for the imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax by any local authority or body for local purposes. (3) A Bill which, if enacted and brought into operation, would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India shall not be passed by either House of Parliament unless the President has recommended to that House the consideration of the Bill.

In plain wordsBills about taxes, borrowing, or the Consolidated Fund can be introduced only on the President's recommendation and never start in the Rajya Sabha, though no recommendation is needed to move an amendment that cuts or abolishes a tax. Any bill that would spend from the Consolidated Fund needs the President's recommendation before either House passes it.
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