The government today informed Rajya Sabha that the issue needs "study and careful consideration on the basis of consensus among all political parties before a Bill for amendment of the Constitution is brought before Parliament".
Law Minister DV Sadananda Gowda said in a written reply that it has been the endeavour of the government to provide for the reservation of one-third seats for women in Lok Sabha and the state legislative Assemblies.
As per the law, any Bill pending in Lok Sabha lapses with the dissolution of the House. Bills introduced in Rajya Sabha and pending there are put in the "live register" and remain pending.
The 18-year-journey of the Women's Reservation Bill has been marked by high drama and roadblocks in each outing in Parliament before the historic measure cleared the first legislative hurdle in March, 2010, when Rajya Sabha passed it during a sitting which saw marshals being used.