According to Article 108 of the Constitution of India, if a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both Houses, it is passed by a majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting. This is a simple majority applied to the combined strength of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or in their absence, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or if they are also absent, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.