What is the maximum permissible duration for an ordinary bill to remain deadlocked between the two Houses of Parliament before the President can summon a joint sitting under Article 108?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Under Article 108 of the Constitution, a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament can be summoned if an ordinary bill passed by one House is rejected by the other, or if the houses disagree on amendments, or if more than six months elapse without the bill being passed by the receiving House. Periods shorter than six months do not constitute a deadlock under constitutional provisions. The joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Such legislative mechanisms are crucial for resolving inter-house gridlocks.