Joint Sitting of Parliament

When a Joint Sitting Is Convened

Article 108 provides for a joint sitting of both Houses when:

1. A bill is rejected by one House after being passed by the other
2. The Houses disagree on amendments
3. More than 6 months pass since bill received in one House

Presiding officer: Speaker of Lok Sabha (or Deputy Speaker in Speaker's absence)

Vote: Simple majority of the total members present and voting of both Houses combined — Lok Sabha (543) dominates over Rajya Sabha (245).

Limitations of Joint Sitting

Not applicable to: Money Bills, Constitutional Amendment Bills, Bills introduced by Rajya Sabha under Article 249/312

Joint Sittings Held So Far — Only 3 in History

1. Dowry Prohibition Bill 1961 (1961)
2. Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill 1977 (1978)
3. Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002 (2002)

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