Bhutan · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Bhutan, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Constitution of 2008
- Supreme law; inconsistent legislation is void.
- Acts of Parliament
- Including the Thrimzhung Chhenmo 1953 as amended and modern codes.
- Judicial precedent
- Supreme Court decisions bind lower courts.
- Buddhist and customary norms
- Recognised interpretive sources where consistent with the Constitution.
- Royal decrees (Kashos)
- Historically a principal source; now exercised within constitutional limits.
The legislative process
Bills pass both houses; disagreement goes to a joint sitting. The King grants assent, and if he withholds it the bill returns to a joint sitting where a two-thirds majority carries it. Money bills originate in the National Assembly. Constitutional amendment requires a three-quarters majority of a joint sitting and, if the King so directs, a national referendum.
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