Q: 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
The correct answer is Option 1.
Joint Sitting of Indian Parliament
According to Article 108 of the Constitution, the joint sitting of parliament is called by the President.
When a bill is referred to as a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, it has to be passed by a simple majority of members present and voting and a Joint Sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
It is also held to resolve the deadlock over the passing of key legislation.
The following bills can’t be referred to a joint sitting of Parliament.
Money bill under Article 110.
Constitution amendment bill under Article 368.
In the absence of the speaker the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha or his absence, the Deputy-Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the joint session.
The Chairman of the upper house (vice president) doesn’t preside over the joint session at any means/cost.
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