In the recent news, a significant matter caught the attention of the nation when an adjournment motion notice was brought up in the Lok Sabha. The notice was related to the surveillance on key Indian personalities conducted by a firm allegedly linked to the Chinese government.
Understanding Adjournment Motion
An adjournment motion is a unique tool only introduced in the Lok Sabha, which aims to draw the House’s focus towards a specific issue of immediate public interest. Having a strong element of censure against the government, this device is not employed by the Rajya Sabha.
The introduction of an adjournment motion leads to an interruption in the normal course of activities of the House, hence it’s considered an extraordinary measure.
Criteria For Admitting an Adjournment Motion
The acceptance of an adjournment motion requires the backing of at least 50 members of the House. Moreover, the discussion on this specific motion must continue for at least two hours and thirty minutes. However, the right to propose a motion for halting the operations of the House is subject to certain limitations.
Limits Set For an Adjournment Motion
Several criteria should be met before moving an adjournment motion. Firstly, it should address a situation that is definite, factual, urgent, and holds public importance. The motion should not encompass more than one issue, and should be confined to a specific recent event.
Additional Restrictions on Adjournment Motion
In addition to these conditions, an adjournment motion should not promote a question of privilege nor should it endeavor to revive a discussion on an issue that has been debated in the same session.
Moreover, the proposed adjournment motion should not deal with any topic that is currently under the court’s consideration. Lastly, it cannot raise any query that can be brought up on a separate motion.
The recent incident involving Lok Sabha and the firm linked to the Chinese government undoubtedly complies with these guidelines, making it a definite matter of public importance. The adjournment motion notice serves as an effective tool in such scenarios providing a platform for relevant authorities to discuss urgent matters related to national security and public interest.
