gs1medium
When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both 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 House
- D.absolute majority of the House
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A. a simple majority of members present and voting
A joint sitting of Parliament is convened to resolve a deadlock between the two Houses on a bill. The procedures followed in a joint sitting are governed by Article 100 of the Constitution, which mandates that the bill must be passed by a simple majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting. This ensures a straightforward resolution mechanism without requiring supermajorities that might be difficult to achieve.
Source: UPSC gs1 2015