Types of Majorities in the Indian Parliament | Absolute, Effective, Simple & Special Majority

For Queries Contact us: [email protected]
Telegram Link: https://t.me/onlypcs00
It is an official Channel of OnlyIAS.
OnlyIAS Extended sharply focused UPSC, State PCS & other Competitive Examination.

Absolute Majority - It refers to a majority of more than 50% of the total membership of the house. For example, as the total membership of Lok Sabha is 545, an absolute majority in Lok Sabha means – 50% of 545 plus 1, ie. 273.
Cases, where the absolute majority is used: In the normal business of the Parliament or State Legislature absolute majority, is not generally used. But this majority is used during the general election, for the formation of government at Center and States.

Simple Majority
Cases where the simple majority is used:
To pass Ordinary/Money/Financial bills.
To pass Non-Confidence Motion/Adjournment Motion/Censure Motion/Confidence Motion.
For the removal of Vice President majority required in Lok Sabha is the simple majority – A67(b).
To declare a financial emergency.
To declare a state emergency
Election of Speaker/Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha and State legislatures.
Constitution Amendment Bill under Article 368 which needs to be ratified by states, require only simple majority at State Legislatures.


Special Majority
Cases where special majority as per article 368 is used:
To pass a constitutional amendment bill which does not affect federalism.
Removal of judges of SC/HC.
Removal of CEC/CAG.
Approval of national emergency requires special majority as per Article 368 in both houses.
Resolution by the state legislature for the creation/abolition of Legislative Council (Article 169)