When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be passed by

1. a simple majority of members present and voting
2. three-fourths majority of members present and voting
3. two-thirds majority of the Houses
4. absolute majority of the Houses

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• A joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament is provided under Article 108 of the Constitution to resolve a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. In such a sitting, the bill is passed by a simple majority of members present and voting, not by any special majority. Since members of both Houses sit and vote together, the decision is based on the majority of those present and voting at that time.
• The provision of joint sitting is applicable to ordinary bills or financial bills only and not to money bills or Constitutional amendment bills.

Answer: (a) a simple majority of members present and voting; Difficulty Level: Easy