UPSC Prelims 2012 Q57: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha calls for a joint sitting of the
Parliament during the passage of
1. Ordinary Legislation
2. Money Bill
3. Constitution Amendment Bill
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Joint sitting of Parliament
Article 108 provides for a joint sitting to break a deadlock between the two Houses.
| Type of Bill | Joint sitting? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ordinary Legislation | Yes | Article 108 applies |
| 2. Money Bill | No | The Lok Sabha has the final say (Article 109); the Rajya Sabha can only delay it for 14 days |
| 3. Constitution Amendment Bill | No | Each House must pass it separately by special majority (Article 368) |
About joint sittings:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Summoned by | The President |
| Presided over by | The Speaker of the Lok Sabha |
| Decided by | Simple majority of members present and voting |
| Held so far | 1961 (Dowry Prohibition Bill), 1978 (Banking Service Commission Repeal Bill), 2002 (Prevention of Terrorism Bill) |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. A joint sitting is called only for Ordinary Legislation.
- (b) Incorrect. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by each House separately.
- (c) Incorrect. There is no joint sitting for a Constitution Amendment Bill.
- (d) Incorrect. Neither a Money Bill nor an amendment Bill can go to a joint sitting.
Key point
Joint sitting (Article 108): ordinary Bills only; President summons, Speaker presides, simple majority; held in 1961, 1978 and 2002. Not for Money Bills or amendment Bills.
Remember
Joint sitting = ordinary Bills only (Article 108).
Common mistakes
- Thinking any deadlock between the Houses leads to a joint sitting.
- Believing the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides; he is not a member of either House.
- Forgetting that a Money Bill cannot be deadlocked at all.
Exam tip
Money Bill: Lok Sabha wins. Amendment Bill: both must agree. Only ordinary Bills go to a joint sitting.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 108, 109, 118 and 368
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, Ch on Parliament (Joint Sitting of Two Houses)