UPSC Prelims 2003 Q66: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
Which one of the following Bills must be passed by each House of the Indian Parliament
separately, by special majority?
- (a) Ordinary Bill
- (b) Money Bill
- (c) Finance Bill
- (d) Constitution Amendment Bill
Answer: (d) Constitution Amendment Bill
Explanation
Bill needing a special majority in each House
| Bill | Needs special majority in each House separately? |
|---|---|
| Constitution Amendment Bill | Yes — Article 368: majority of the total membership and two-thirds of those present and voting |
| Ordinary Bill | Simple majority |
| Money Bill | Simple majority, Lok Sabha decides |
| Finance Bill | Simple majority |
A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by each House separately by a special majority.
Answer: (d) Constitution Amendment Bill.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. An ordinary Bill needs a simple majority.
- (b) Incorrect. A Money Bill needs a simple majority and the Rajya Sabha has no veto.
- (c) Incorrect. A Finance Bill needs a simple majority.
- (d) CORRECT. Article 368 needs a special majority in each House.
Key point
Article 368: special majority of Parliament, plus State ratification for federal features.
Remember
Constitution Amendment Bills need a special majority in each House.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a Money Bill needs a special majority.
- Mixing special majority with simple majority.
- Forgetting that there is no joint sitting for amendments.
Exam tip
Special majority: 50 percent of total membership plus 2/3 of present and voting.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 368
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Amendment of the Constitution)