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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) three-fourths majority of members present and voting
- (c) two-thirds majority of the Houses
- (d) absolute majority of the Houses
Why the answer is (a)
• A joint sitting under Article 108 is summoned by the President to resolve a deadlock between the Houses over an ordinary bill; the Speaker presides.
• The bill is deemed passed if approved by a majority of the total members of both Houses present and voting — a simple majority — option (a).
• Since Lok Sabha's numbers dominate, this favours the Lower House; it has been used only thrice (Dowry Prohibition 1961, Banking Service Commission 1978, POTA 2002).
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) three-fourths majority of members present and voting
- No three-fourths majority is required.
- (c) two-thirds majority of the Houses
- No two-thirds majority is required.
- (d) absolute majority of the Houses
- Simple majority of present and voting, not absolute majority.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.