NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION

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Context: The Lok Sabha Speaker announced that he had accepted a no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition parties against the ruling Government.

Details

• A No-Confidence Motion in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, is a significant parliamentary procedure that allows members to express a lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers, commonly known as the government, led by the Prime Minister.
• The procedure for moving the No Confidence resolution is outlined in Lok Sabha Rule 198. The Indian Constitution lacks an Article for a Motion of Confidence or No Confidence.
  • Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, says that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• It is an essential mechanism in India's parliamentary democracy to hold the government accountable and ensure that it enjoys the confidence of the elected representatives.

Process of No-Confidence Motion in Lok Sabha:

• Any member of the Lok Sabha can submit a No-Confidence Motion in writing to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
• The Speaker examines the motion to ensure that it complies with the procedural requirements. If the Speaker finds the motion in order, it is admitted for discussion.
• The Speaker allocates time for the discussion on the No-Confidence Motion. Generally, the discussion takes place after ten days of its admission, allowing for adequate notice to the government.
• During the debate, members of the Lok Sabha discuss the reasons for expressing a lack of confidence in the government. The Prime Minister or a representative from the government has the right to reply to the motion. After the debate, a vote is conducted.
• For the motion to succeed, it must be passed by a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. In other words, more members should vote in favour of the motion than against it.
• If the No-Confidence Motion is passed, it indicates that the government has lost the confidence of the Lok Sabha. In such a scenario, the Prime Minister and the entire Council of Ministers are required to resign.
• Following the resignation of the Council of Ministers, the President, as the head of state, may invite the leader of the opposition or any other member who can demonstrate majority support to form the new government.

Significance of No-Confidence Motion

• The No-Confidence Motion provides a means for the Lok Sabha members to hold the government accountable for its actions and policies.
• It ensures a check on the power of the executive and maintains a balance between the legislature and the executive.
• It allows for a peaceful transition of power without the need for snap elections or constitutional crises.
• The No-Confidence Motion upholds the democratic principle of parliamentary democracy, where the government derives its legitimacy from the confidence of the elected representatives.

Conclusion

• The No-Confidence Motion in the Lok Sabha is an essential democratic tool that helps maintain transparency, accountability, and stability in the functioning of the government. It allows the elected representatives to assess the government's performance and express their confidence or lack of confidence in its ability to govern effectively.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/no-confidence-motion-8860985/