UPSC Prelims 2015 Q37: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be
passed by
- (a) a simple majority of members present and voting
- (b) three - fourths majority of members present and voting
- (c) two - thirds majority of the Houses
- (d) absolute majority of the Houses
Answer: (a) a simple majority of members present and voting
Explanation
Joint sitting of both Houses (Article 108)
A Bill at a joint sitting is passed by a majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting.
That is a simple majority.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Called by | The President |
| Presided over by | The Speaker of the Lok Sabha |
| When | Deadlock on an ordinary Bill |
| Not allowed for | Money Bills and Constitution Amendment Bills |
Joint sittings held so far:
| Year | Bill |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Dowry Prohibition Bill |
| 1978 | Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill |
| 2002 | Prevention of Terrorism Bill (POTA) |
Because the Lok Sabha is larger, its view usually prevails.
Answer: (a) a simple majority of members present and voting.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. A Bill at a joint sitting needs a simple majority of members present and voting.
- (b) Incorrect. No three-fourths majority is needed at a joint sitting.
- (c) Incorrect. A two-thirds majority applies to Constitution amendments, which cannot go to a joint sitting.
- (d) Incorrect. An absolute majority of the Houses is not required.
Key point
Joint sitting (Article 108): called by the President, chaired by the Speaker, simple majority of members present and voting; not for Money or Amendment Bills.
Remember
Joint sitting: simple majority, Speaker presides.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a special majority because both Houses sit together.
- Thinking the Vice-President presides; the Speaker does.
- Forgetting that Constitution Amendment Bills can never go to a joint sitting.
Exam tip
Joint sitting = ordinary Bill + simple majority + Speaker in the chair.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 108 and 118
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Parliament (joint sitting)