Question 5 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Polity

Question

When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be passed by

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. a simple majority of members present and voting

Strategy: Identify the constitutional rule for passing bills in a joint sitting of Parliament. The key is that it requires only a simple majority of members present and voting, not a special or qualified majority.

Key Info: **Joint Sitting of Parliament**

A joint sitting resolves legislative deadlocks between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

- **Constitutional Basis:** Provided under Article 108 of the Constitution.
- **Presiding Officer:** The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- **Applicable Bills:** Ordinary and financial bills only. It does not apply to Money Bills or Constitutional Amendment Bills.
- **Majority Required:** A bill is passed by a simple majority of members present and voting. This means more votes in favor than against from those participating. No special, two-thirds, three-fourths, or absolute majority is needed.
- **Summoning Authority:** The President summons a joint sitting if a disagreement persists as specified in Article 108.
- **Notable Examples:** The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: three-fourths majority of members present and voting

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: two-thirds majority of the Houses

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: absolute majority of the Houses