What is simple majority?

Simple majority refers to a majority of more than 50% of the members present and voting in the House. For example, in the Lok Sabha, out of the total strength of 545, suppose 45 were absent and 100 abstained from voting. This means, only 400 members were present and voting. In this case, the simple majority needed is 201 (50% + 1). This is the most commonly used type of majority. Ordinary bills require only a simple majority.

Further Reading:

• Types of Majorities in the Indian Parliament
• Polity Notes for UPSC