| In simple terms: * Acts are laws made by the Parliament or State legislature and are binding all over the country or in a State (as may be specified). Acts are subject to provisions of Constitution of India. * Bills can be said to be drafts of Acts. Bills are approved by the cabinet before introduction in the Parliament or State legislature. After the Bills are approved in the House, the same are sent to the President or Governor of the State for assent. After getting such assent, the Bills are known as Acts and then become part of law. Bills are not part of law and hence not binding. * Acts may delegate authority on certain matters (generally relating to procedural aspects) to the Govt or any other authority. Govt. or any other authority may make Rules in exercise of such power, which are also part of law and are binding provided the same are not against the provisions of the Act. * Circulars are generally issued by the Govt. or any other authority to clarify certain provisions of an Act or Rules. Circulars are not part of law and are not binding on the public. Courts have held that if anyone relies on the circular and takes action accordingly, the same will be binding on the govt. * Notifications are issued by the Govt. under an Act provided power is given in the Act. These are part of law and are binding provided the same are not against the provisions of the Act. * Guidelines are issued by the Govt. for information of the concerned persons and are not part of law. For example, govt. may issue guidelines for considering applications for approval of payment of remuneration to directors. Thanks
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