A no-confidence motion, or vote of no confidence, is a fundamental instrument in parliamentary democracies, enabling legislatures to express a lack of trust in the ruling government or specific officeholders, potentially leading to their resignation. In India, this mechanism is pivotal in maintaining the accountability of the executive to the legislature.
PROCEDURE IN THE LOK SABHA In India, a no-confidence motion can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. Any member of the Lok Sabha may propose such a motion by submitting a written notice to the Speaker, outlining the reasons for the motion. The motion requires the support of at least 50 members to be admitted for discussion. Once admitted, a debate is scheduled, culminating in a vote. If a majority of the members present and voting support the motion, it passes, necessitating the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, as it signifies that the government no longer holds the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
HISTORICAL INSTANCES OF NO-CONFIDENCE MOTIONS LEADING TO GOVERNMENT RESIGNATION Three motions have come in the past against Lok Sabha Speakers - against G V Mavalankar on December 18, 1954, against Hukam Singh on November 24, 1966 and against Balram Jakhar on April 15, 1987.
While the motions against Mavalankar and Jakhar were negatived, that against Hukam Singh was rejected as less than 50 members rose in the chair to take up the motion.
Since India's independence, several no-confidence motions have been moved in the Lok Sabha, with a few leading to the government's downfall:
Morarji Desai's Government (1979)
Background: Morarji Desai became India's Prime Minister in 1977, leading the Janata Party government, the first non-Congress government post-independence. Internal conflicts within the Janata Party, especially between factions led by Desai and other senior leaders, weakened the government's cohesion.
This story is from the December 11, 2024 edition of The Business Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 11, 2024 edition of The Business Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Delhi has now 1.55 cr voters: CEO
According to CEO Delhi, eight FIRs have been lodged against 24 individuals till now for submitting fraudulent documents for obtaining voter ID
DELHI GOVT WITHHOLDS TEN 'SENSITIVE' CAG REPORTS
The delay in reports may raise concerns about transparency and accountability in the Delhi assembly.
Atishi Accuses BJP of Voter Data Manipulation
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate voter data in the New Delhi Assembly by deleting and wrongly adding thousands of voters through fraudulent applications.
breakthrough in drug discovery for cancer and neurological disorders unveiled in india
A groundbreaking discovery in drug development, spearheaded by Indian-origin American scientist Dr. Indrajeet Sharma, promises to revolutionize the treatment landscape for critical diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.
'Kejriwal is actor, director, producer of biggest scam'
Congress candidate from Kasturba Nagar Assembly constituency, Abhishek Dutt on Monday said that Arvind Kejriwal was the actor, director and producer of Delhi's biggest scam.
Atishi breaks down over Bidhuri's remarks
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi lashed out at BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri on Monday for his derogatory remarks, which she said disrespected her 80-year-old father, a dedicated teacher who spent his life educating thousands of underprivileged children.
Delhi Police Detain Nine Bangladeshi Nationals
He was also found to be in possession of photocopied documents from Bangladesh.
Citing CAG, BJP alleges 'big scam' in Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' renovation
There was no immediate response from AAP on BJP's charges.
Karnataka High Court rejects PIL against re-modelling of Bengaluru's Gandhi Bazaar, says it is for larger public convenience
The Karnataka High Court in the case Heritage Basavanagudi Residents Welfare Forum and State of Karnataka & Others observed and has dismissed the Public Interest Litigation, PIL is filed seeking to stop the Gandhi Bazaar Market Street Redesign project which is at the final stage of completion.
Supreme Court seeks data from Union on Tribunal vacancies, suggests Circuit Benches for AFT
The Supreme Court in the case Madras Bar Association Versus Union Of India And Anr. observed and has asked the Union of India to collate and furnish data on the status of appointments and selection process of judicial/technical/accounting/administrative members of Tribunals across the country.
