Simple majority
Topic: Amendment of the Constitution and the Basic Structure · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 9 "Constitution as a Living Document"
Meaning
A simple majority is more than half of the members present and voting in a House. Members who are absent, or present but not voting, are not counted. It is the most common majority in Parliament.
Example
NCERT's example: if 247 members vote, 124 votes are needed to pass the motion. A simple majority is enough for:
- ordinary bills and money bills;
- most motions;
- electing presiding officers;
- laws under Art. 4 (new states and boundaries) and Art. 169 (creating or abolishing legislative councils).
Don't confuse with
- Absolute majority: more than half of the House's total membership, such as 272 of 543 in the Lok Sabha, however many members vote.
- Special majority: a majority of total membership plus two-thirds of those present and voting. It is needed for most constitutional amendments.