Q. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:

  1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
  2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Notes:
  • A No Confidence motion is a parliamentary procedure in the Lok Sabha.
  • It is not applicable in the Rajya Sabha.
  • This motion is a formal way for members of the Lok Sabha to express their lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers.
  • Article 75(3) of the Constitution embodies this rule by specifying that the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
  • For testing this collective responsibility, the rules of Lok Sabha provide a particular mechanism – a motion of no-confidence.
    • The procedure is specified under Rule 198 of the Lok Sabha.
    • The Constitution does not mention either a Confidence or a No Confidence Motion.
Procedure of No Confidence Motion
  • Proposal: Any member of the Lok Sabha can propose a No Confidence motion against the Council of Ministers. To do this, they need to give a written notice to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha stating the reasons for their lack of confidence.
    • Under rules 198(1) and 198(5) of the Lok Sabha, it can be introduced only after the Speaker has called upon it.
    • To introduce a motion of no confidence against the Council of Ministers in the Lok Sabha, a Member of Parliament (MP) needs the backing of at least 50 fellow MPs. This means that any Lok Sabha MP who can gather support from 50 of their colleagues has the right to introduce such a motion at any time.
  • Discussion: Once the motion is admitted, it is usually taken up for discussion after a stipulated period, allowing time for members to prepare and debate the motion.
  • Debate: During the debate, members are given the opportunity to present their arguments for or against the motion. The Prime Minister or a representative from the Council of Ministers also has the opportunity to respond and defend their government’s position.
  • Voting: After the debate, a vote is conducted, and members are asked to vote either in favor of the motion (expressing no confidence) or against it (expressing confidence in the government).
  • Outcome:
    • If the No Confidence motion is passed by a majority of the members present and voting, it indicates that the Lok Sabha has lost confidence in the government. In such a case, the Council of Ministers is expected to resign, and the government may collapse.
    • If the motion is not passed, the government remains in power, and its mandate is reaffirmed.