A no-confidence motion is a crucial parliamentary tool used by Opposition parties in a parliamentary democracy to test the majority of the ruling government in the directly elected House. Recently, the Indian Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, accepted a motion of no-confidence against the government, initiated by Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, after garnering the requisite support of 50 MPs.
What is a No-Confidence Motion?
In a parliamentary democracy, the government can remain in power only if it enjoys the confidence of the majority in the directly elected House, such as the Lok Sabha in India. This principle is enshrined in Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution, which emphasizes that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. To test this collective responsibility, the Lok Sabha has a specific mechanism known as a “motion of no-confidence.”
The procedure for a no-confidence motion is laid down in Rule 198 of the Lok Sabha. Interestingly, the Constitution does not explicitly mention either a “Confidence” or “No Confidence” Motion, but it leaves room for such practices to be adopted by the parliamentary system.
Historical Perspective on No-Confidence Motions
Since India’s independence, there have been 27 instances of no-confidence motions introduced in the Lok Sabha. The first no-confidence motion against the administration of then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was presented in August 1963. However, it failed to garner enough support, receiving only 62 votes in favor and 347 votes against it.
The last no-confidence motion was moved in 2018 against the then National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Despite a heated debate, the motion was defeated, and the government retained its position.
Who can move a No-Confidence Motion?
Any Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) can initiate a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers, provided they can secure the support of at least 50 colleagues. However, it is essential to note that a no-confidence motion can only be moved in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha.
Facts about the Debate and Vote
The process of a no-confidence motion begins with the member who submitted it moving the motion in the Lok Sabha. The government, then, is given an opportunity to respond to the motion and present its case.
Following the government’s response, the motion is open for debate, during which the opposition parties have the opportunity to express their views and concerns. This debate can be a crucial moment for presenting arguments, questioning the government’s policies, and addressing pressing issues.
After the debate, the Lok Sabha conducts a vote on the no-confidence motion. For the motion to pass, it must receive the support of a majority of the House members present and voting. If the no-confidence motion secures the majority, the government is compelled to resign from power.
On the other hand, if the government wins the vote on the no-confidence motion, it is considered defeated, and the government remains in power. Such an outcome can strengthen the ruling party’s position and dismiss uncertainties about its stability.