Types of Majorities in Parliamentary Decision-Making

Introduction

In parliamentary systems, the passage of bills through legislative bodies requires the support of the majority of members. However, not all majorities are the same, and different types of majorities are employed depending on the significance of the legislation and the procedural rules in place. Understanding the various types of majorities used in the passage of bills is crucial for comprehending the legislative process and the dynamics of decision-making within parliamentary democracies.

Different Types of Majorities

• Simple Majority: It means a majority of more than 50% of members are present and voting on any bill or issue on a particular day.
  • There are a total of 543 seats in Lok Sabha and only 400 members are present on the day of voting, a minimum of 201 votes will be required to pass bills 
  • Example: All the ordinary bills, Confidence motions in Lok Sabha only, Election of speaker, Censure motion, Vote of thanks on the president’s address, etc
• Absolute Majority: Absolute majority is defined as the majority comprising over 50% of the total number of members in the house. 
• Example: In the Lok Sabha, it will be 273 or more (50 % of 543 +1). 
• This method, in conjunction with the Special Majority, is essential for ensuring stability when a political party forms a government.
• Effective Majority: It means more than 50% of the effective strength of the house. Effective strength = Total Strength – Vacancies in the House. 
• Example: Used the removal of the Vice President in the Rajya Sabha, Removal of the speaker and deputy speaker of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies,, etc

Special Majority: 

• Special Majority As per Article 249 and Article 312:  When Rajya Sabha passes a resolution in matters of State list (Arti. 249) and When Rajya Sabha creates new All India Services (Arti. 312), a special majority requires 2/3rd of the members present and voting. 
• Special Majority as per Article 368: A special majority means 2/3rd of the members present and voting plus the majority of the total membership of the house (Absolute majority).
  • Example: Used in cases such as Amendment of the Constitution, Approval and Continuation of the National Emergency, Removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, etc
• Special Majority As Per Article 61: A special majority means 2/3rd of the total strength of the house. 
  • The most stringent form of majority specified in the Constitution is employed for the impeachment of the President as outlined in Article 61 of the Constitution.
• Special Majority as Per Article 368 and State ratification: Certain Constitution Amendment Bills that can affect the federal provisions of the Constitution, have to be passed by a special majority of 2/3rd of the members present and voting in both houses plus ratification by Legislative Assemblies of more than half of States by a simple majority.

Conclusion

• Various types of majorities, including absolute, simple, and special majorities, play pivotal roles in parliamentary decision-making processes. 
• Understanding these distinctions is fundamental to comprehending legislative dynamics and ensuring effective governance within democratic systems.

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