Joint Session of the Parliament

A joint session of the Indian Parliament, provided under Article 108 of the Constitution, is a special mechanism to resolve legislative deadlocks between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha regarding non-financial bills. Summoned by the President, it is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Salient points of Joint Sessions of Parliament

• Purpose: To pass a bill that has been rejected, delayed for over six months, or disagreed upon by the other house.
• Applicability: Applies only to ordinary bills or financial bills; it cannot be used for Money Bills or Constitution Amendment Bills
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Presiding Officer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides. If absent, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and then the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Vice-President) never presides.
Rules: The session follows Lok Sabha rules and requires a simple majority of total members present and voting to pass the bill.
Incidents of Joint sessions of the Parliament. (excluding money bills, constitutional amendment bills and Presidents addresses)

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