UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 37

Correct answer: Option A. A joint sitting of Parliament is presided over when the two Houses reach a deadlock on an ordinary bill in specified circumstances. The Constitution provides that a bill at a joint sitting is passed by a majority of the members of both Houses present and voting. It is therefore a simple majority of members present and voting, not a special or absolute majority. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “a simple majority of members present and voting” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option B: “three-fourths majority of members present and voting” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “two-thirds majority of the Houses” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “absolute majority of the Houses” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.