Joint sittings are an important mechanism provided by the Indian Constitution to resolve deadlocks between the two Houses of Parliament over the passage of a bill. Here is an overview of how joint sittings work:
Conditions for a Joint Sitting
A deadlock is deemed to have occurred in any of the following situations:
- Bill Rejection: If one House passes a bill, and the other House rejects it.
- Disagreement Over Amendments: If there is disagreement between the two Houses regarding amendments to the bill.
- Bill Pending for Six Months: If more than six months have elapsed since the bill was transmitted to the other House without being passed.
Procedure for Summoning Joint Sitting
- The President can summon a joint sitting of both Houses to deliberate and vote on the bill when one of the above situations occurs.
- Joint sittings apply to ordinary bills and financial bills, not to money bills or constitutional amendment bills.
Conditions for Joint Sitting
- Presiding Over Joint Sitting: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sitting. In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker or the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides. If none of them are available, the members present choose another person to preside.
- Quorum: The quorum for the joint sitting is one-tenth of the total members of both Houses.
- Rules: The rules of procedure of the Lok Sabha govern the joint sitting.
Outcome of a Joint Sitting
- Passage of the Bill: The bill is deemed passed by both Houses if a majority of the total members of both Houses present and voting approve it.
- Amendments: Only amendments that caused disagreement between the Houses and those required due to delay can be considered at a joint sitting.
- Dissolution of Lok Sabha: If the Lok Sabha is dissolved after the President's notification to summon a joint sitting, the bill does not lapse.
Historical Instances
Since 1950, joint sittings have been held only three times for the following bills:
- Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1960.
- Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill, 1977.
- Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002.
Overall, joint sittings provide a means to reconcile differences between the two Houses of Parliament and ensure the passage of legislation.
40th BPSC
Joint Session of both the Houses of Parliament is concerned
1. For the election of the President of India
2. For the election of the vice-President of India
3. To pass the Bill relating to the amendment of Constitution
4. To discuss and pass such a Bill where both Houses have different opinion
Select your answer from the following code –
A. 1, 2 and 4
B. 3 and 4
C. only 4
D. 2 and 3 only
