act

An Act is a law that has been passed by Parliament, received the President’s assent, and officially come into force.

• It begins as a Bill, which is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. Parliament discusses, examines, and votes on the Bill before it can become an Act.
• Once it becomes an Act, its rules are legally binding. Citizens, government departments, courts, and other institutions must follow it.
• For example, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 made education a legal right for children aged 6 to 14. It required governments to provide free and compulsory schooling for this age group.
• An Act is usually named after its purpose and the year in which it was passed, such as the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 or the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• Acts show how a democratic government turns public needs—such as education, safety, or fair treatment—into enforceable laws.