Joint Sitting of Parliament Flashcards
(10 cards)
Joint Sitting: Constitutional Provision
The provision of joint sitting is mentioned in Article 108 of the Constitution of India.
Purpose of Joint Sitting
A joint sitting is summoned by the President to resolve a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament over the passage of a bill.
When Joint Sitting Can Be Convened
A joint sitting can be convened if a bill:
1. Has been rejected by the other House after being passed by one House.
2. The Houses have finally disagreed on the amendments to be made in the bill.
3. More than six months have elapsed from the date of reception of the bill by the other House without it being passed.
Who Presides Over Joint Sitting?
The Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting. In their absence, the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, and in their absence, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides. If all are absent, any other member as determined by the House presides.
Exceptions to Joint Sitting
A joint sitting cannot be called for:
\n1. Money Bills (Article 110).
\n2. Constitution Amendment Bills (Article 368).
Procedure in Joint Sitting
At a joint sitting, new amendments cannot be proposed
The bill is passed or rejected by a simple majority of the total number of members present and voting.
First and Only Time Rajya Sabha Passed a Bill in Joint Sitting
In 1961, the joint sitting was held to pass the Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1961.
Instances of Joint Sittings in India
So far, three joint sittings have been held in India:
\n1. **1961 – Dowry Prohibition Bill.
**\n2. **1978 – Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill.
**\n3. 2002 – Prevention of Terrorism Bill (POTA).
Effect of Lok Sabha Dissolution on Joint Sitting
If a joint sitting has been notified but not yet held, it becomes infructuous due to the dissolution of Lok Sabha.
Quorum
1/10 of the total members of both the house
