Majority

Effective Majority of house means more than 50% of the effective strength of the house. This implies that out of the total strength, we deduct the vacant seats. When Indian Constitution mentions “all the then members”, that refers to effective majority.

Also read:  Important Parliamentary Committees in Detail

For example, in Rajya Sabha, out of the total strength of 245 members if there are 45 vacancies, then the effective strength of the house is 200. Then the effective majority is 50% of 200 plus 1, ie 101.

Cases where effective majority is used:

Removal of Vice-president in RS – Article 67(b).
Removal of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly.

Absolute majority

It refers to a majority of more than 50% of the total membership of the house. For example, as the total membership of Lok Sabha is 545, absolute majority in Lok Sabha means – 50% of 545 plus 1, ie. 273.

Cases where absolute majority is used: In the normal business of the Parliament or State Legislature absolute majority is not generally used. But this majority is used during general election, for the formation of government at Center and States.