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Who ordinarily presides over a joint sitting of the two Houses of India’s Parliament?

Article 118(4) of the Constitution assigns the chair at a joint sitting to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Under Rule 5, if the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker presides,…

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Who ordinarily presides over a joint sitting of the two Houses of India’s Parliament?

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Answer and explanation

Correct answer D

Article 118(4) of the Constitution assigns the chair at a joint sitting to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Under Rule 5, if the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker presides, followed by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha if the Deputy Speaker is also absent. If all three are absent, the members present determine who presides. The President summons a joint sitting under Article 108.

Option feedback

Option A

Incorrect. While the President of India summons a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament under Article 108(1), the President does not preside over it.

Option B

Incorrect. The Vice-President of India (ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha) does not preside over a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

Option C

Incorrect. The Prime Minister does not preside in that capacity. Article 118(4) assigns that role to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha when present.

Option D

Correct. Under Article 118(4) of the Constitution of India, at a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the Speaker of the House of the People (Lok Sabha), or in his absence such person as may be determined by rules of procedure made under Article 118(3), presides.

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