The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. It makes laws, checks the actions of the government, and discusses national issues. It’s responsible for making laws, controlling the executive, and overseeing the financial matters of the country.  

It is made up of three parts:

• The President of India
• The Rajya Sabha (also called the Council of States)
• The Lok Sabha (also called the House of the People)

 

Together, they are responsible for running the legislative functions of the country.

Whenever the government wants a new law to be introduced or an old one needs to be changed, the government brings a Bill in the Parliament.

But it is not easy. a new law and old one not changed in one night Bill doesn’t become a law automatically. It must be passed in both houses Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and finally approved by the President. Only after this, it becomes a law.

This is where the concept of majority becomes very important. Every Bill has to be voted on. If enough members agree then the Bill is passed.

Majority Important in Parliament

In Parliament, any Bill, motion, or resolution can only be passed if a certain number of members vote in favour of it. This number is called the majority. Not all situations need the same kind of majority. Depending on the type of Bill or action, different majorities are required. 

For example:

• Ordinary laws need a Simple Majority
• Government formation needs an Absolute Majority
• Removal of Vice-President needs an Effective Majority
• Constitutional amendments need a Special Majority

Types of Majorities 

In India Although in our Constitution doesn’t clearly mention categories of majorities, experts and legal scholars have identified four main types based on use and explanation:

• Simple Majority
• Absolute Majority
• Effective Majority
• Special Majority 

Simple Majority

A Simple Majority means more than 50% of the members who are present and voting.

This is the most commonly used majority in Parliament. Most everyday decisions are taken using this.

Example:

• Suppose there are 500 total members in Lok Sabha.
• But only 400 are present during voting.
• Out of them, only 380 members actually vote (some may remain neutral).
• a simple majority means more than 190 votes 

Where it is used:

• Passing ordinary bills
• Passing money bills
• No-confidence motion, censure motion, adjournment motion
• Election and removal of Speaker/Deputy Speaker
• Approval of President’s Rule in a state

Absolute Majority

An Absolute Majority means more than 50% of the total strength of the House, not just those present.

Example:

• Total strength of Lok Sabha = 545 members
• Absolute majority = more than 272 members

Where it is used:

• Formation of government after elections
• Proving majority in the House (trust vote)

Difference from Simple Majority:

• The simple majority depends on how many members are present and voting.
• Absolute majority depends on the total membership, whether present or not.

Effective Majority

Effective Majority means more than 50% of the effective strength of the House. That is, it excludes vacant seats.

Example:

• Total strength of Rajya Sabha = 245
• Let’s say 45 seats are vacant
• Effective strength = 200
• Effective majority = more than 100 votes

Where it is used:

• Removal of Vice-President (in Rajya Sabha)
• Removal of Speaker and Deputy Speaker (in Lok Sabha)

Why it matters: 

• Sometimes not all seats are filled due to resignations, deaths, or delays in elections. In such cases, it’s unfair to calculate the majority based on empty seats, so effective strength is used instead.

Special Majority

• Special Majority is a bit more complex. It means any kind of majority that is more than a simple, absolute, or effective majority. There are four types of Special Majority in practice:

Special Majority under Article 249

• 2/3rd of the members present and vote.

Where it is used:

• When Rajya Sabha passes a resolution allowing Parliament to make laws on State List subjects, if it is in national interest.
• The law remains valid for one year, and can be extended.

Example:

• If 150 members are present and voting, 2/3rd = 101 votes needed.

Special Majority under Article 368

• 2/3rd of members present and voting
• Support from more than 50% of total membership

Where it is used:

• To amend the Constitution, where federal structure is not affected
• Removal of judges of Supreme Court and High Courts
• Removal of CAG and CEC
• Declaration of National Emergency
• Creation or abolition of State Legislative Councils

Example:

• Lok Sabha has 545 total members, 450 are present
• Need at least 273 members (50% of 545)
• Also need 300 votes (2/3rd of 450) in favour

Special Majority with State Ratification 

Same as above, but it also needs approval from at least 50% of state legislatures (by simple majority in each).

Where it is used:

• For constitutional amendments that affect federal structure

Examples of such changes:

• Distribution of powers between Union and States
• Representation of States in Parliament
• Structure of High Courts

Example:

• India has 29 states
• Support from at least 15 state legislatures is required

Special Majority under Article 61

2/3rd of the total strength of the House (not just present and voting)

Where it is used:

• Impeachment of the President of India

Example:

• Lok Sabha total strength = 545
• Rajya Sabha total strength = 245
• Need 364 votes in Lok Sabha and 164 votes in Rajya Sabha to pass the impeachment motion

Different Types of Majority in Indian Legislature

The following table offers a simplified summary to help you revise and distinguish between these types with clarity:

Type of Majority	Based On	Where Used
Simple Majority	Present and voting	Ordinary bills, motions, elections, emergencies
Absolute Majority	Total membership	Formation of government
Effective Majority	Total – Vacant seats	Removal of VP, Speaker, Deputy Speaker
Special Majority (Art. 249)	2/3rd of present and voting	Rajya Sabha resolution on State List subjects
Special Majority (Art. 368)	2/3rd present + 50% total	Constitutional amendments
Special Majority + States	Same as above + 50% states	Federal amendments
Special Majority (Art. 61)	2/3rd of total strength	Impeachment of President

 

Understanding different types of majority is not just for exam marks. It helps us understand how India’s democracy works in real life. Our Constitution is designed with checks and balances  that’s why some decisions require higher levels of agreement.

If passing a law was too easy, governments could misuse power. But if it’s too hard, then no reforms would happen. So, the system of different majorities helps maintain balance. Simple laws need fewer votes, but important changes need broader support.