UPSC Prelims 2003 Q88: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Consider the following statements:
1. The joint sitting of the two Houses of the Parliament in India is sanctioned under Article 108 of
the Constitution.
2. The first joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was held in the year 1961.
3. The second joint sitting of the two Houses of Indian Parliament was held to pass the Banking
Service Commission (Repeal) Bill.
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Joint sittings of Parliament
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Joint sitting is under Article 108 | True |
| 2. First joint sitting in 1961 | True — Dowry Prohibition Bill |
| 3. Second joint sitting for the Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill | True — 1978 |
All three statements are correct.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
- (d) CORRECT. All three statements are correct.
Key point
Joint sittings: 1961 (Dowry Prohibition Bill), 1978 (Banking Service Commission Repeal Bill), 2002 (POTA).
Remember
Article 108 provides for a joint sitting of the two Houses.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the 1978 joint sitting held for banking.
- Dating the first joint sitting to 1952.
- Mixing Article 108 with Article 109 on money bills.
Exam tip
Joint sitting needs the Lok Sabha Speaker as chair.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 108
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Parliament)