Types of Majorities in the Indian Parliament
In parliamentary procedures, different types of majorities are required for decision-making depending on the nature of the issue. Below are the types of majorities used in the Indian parliamentary system:
| Type | Definition | Where Used | House(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Majority | More than 50% of members present and voting | Ordinary Bills, Motions | Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha (depends on case) |
| Absolute Majority | More than 50% of the total strength of the house | Forming Government | Lok Sabha |
| Effective Majority | More than 50% of the effective strength of the house (excluding vacancies) | Removal of Vice-President | Both Houses |
| Special Majority | Two-thirds of present and voting + more than 50% of total strength | Constitutional Amendments, Key Motions | Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha |
| Majority of Total Membership | More than 50% of the total membership | Impeachment of President | Both Houses |
1. Simple Majority (Also called Functional Majority)
- Definition: More than 50% of the members present and voting.
- Calculation: Only the members who actually vote (excluding absentees and abstentions) are counted.
- Usage:
- Passing ordinary bills.
- Approval of the budget and money bills.
- Confidence and no-confidence motions.
- Election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- Example: If 400 members are present and 360 vote, at least 181 votes (50% + 1) are required for a simple majority.
2. Absolute Majority
- Definition: More than 50% of the total membership of the House.
- Calculation: Total membership includes all seats in the House, whether vacant or occupied.
- Usage:
- Rarely used but may be a prerequisite for certain actions or declarations.
- Example: In the Lok Sabha with 545 seats, at least 273 votes are required for an absolute majority.
3. Effective Majority
- Definition: More than 50% of the effective strength of the House (total membership minus vacant seats).
- Calculation: Takes into account only filled seats, excluding vacancies.
- Usage:
- Removal of the Vice-President of India.
- Removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- Example: If there are 545 total Lok Sabha seats but 5 are vacant, the effective strength is 540, so 271 votes (50% + 1) are required.
4. Special Majority (Varies by context)
(i) Special Majority under Article 368:
- Definition: Two-thirds of the members present and voting, plus a majority of the total membership of the House.
- Usage:
- Amendment of the Constitution.
- Example: In a House with 545 total members and 450 present, at least 300 (two-thirds of 450) must vote in favor, provided it also exceeds 273 (absolute majority).
(ii) Special Majority with Ratification by States:
- Definition: Two-thirds of members present and voting in both Houses, along with approval by 50% of state legislatures.
- Usage:
- Constitutional amendments that affect federal structure.
- Example: GST introduction required this majority.
(iii) Special Majority (Two-thirds Present and Voting):
- Definition: Two-thirds of members present and voting.
- Usage:
- Impeachment of the President.
- Approval of a resolution for the removal of Supreme Court/High Court judges.
- Example: If 400 members are present, at least 267 votes are required.
5. Effective Special Majority
- Definition: Two-thirds of members present and voting, excluding vacant seats.
- Usage:
- Removal of Vice-President.
- Example: Similar to special majority but calculated based on effective strength.
6. Simple Majority of State Legislatures
- Definition: Approval by a simple majority in at least 50% of the state legislatures.
- Usage:
- Constitutional amendments requiring ratification by states (e.g., GST or changes affecting the federal structure).
Summary Table:
| Type | Requirement | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Majority | 50% + 1 of members present and voting | Ordinary bills, budget, motions, elections |
| Absolute Majority | 50% + 1 of total membership | Rarely used |
| Effective Majority | 50% + 1 of effective strength | Removal of Speaker/Deputy Speaker |
| Special Majority | Varies: Two-thirds + total majority or state ratification | Constitutional amendments, impeachment |
Each type of majority ensures flexibility while maintaining appropriate checks for different levels of legislative or constitutional actions.