The Shiromani Akali Dal, a significant political party in India, has recently decided to launch an Adjournment Motion against the government in the Lok Sabha. This move comes in response to three contentious farm laws. Motions and resolutions are typical procedural devices employed within the House to prompt discussion on matters of public interest or concern.
Understanding the Adjournment Motion
The Adjournment Motion is a procedural device introduced solely in the Lok Sabha aiming at drawing attention to a specific matter of urgent public importance. This motion carries an element of censure against the government. As such, it is not permitted for use within the Rajya Sabha. Significantly interrupting the normal business flow within the House, it’s seen as an extraordinary device.
To be admitted, this motion requires support from at least 50 members. The discussions on an Adjournment Motion should last for no less than two hours and thirty minutes. However, moving this type of motion is subject to several restrictions. For instance, the motion should raise a definite, factual, and urgent matter of public importance. It should be restricted to a recent occurrence and not revive discussions on matters already debated in the same session.
Various Types of Motions Within the Indian Parliament
The Indian Parliament allows several types of motions, each serving a unique purpose. These include the Privilege Motion, Censure Motion, Call-Attention Motion, Adjournment Motion, No-Day-Yet-Named Motion, No Confidence Motion, Motion of Thanks, and Cut Motions.
Specific Roles of Different Motions
Each motion plays a notable role within the Parliamentary proceedings. The Privilege Motion, for example, censures ministers for withholding or distorting facts, breaching the House’s privilege. On the other hand, the Censure Motion aims at censuring the council of ministers for specific actions or policies.
Meanwhile, the Call-Attention Motion seeks an authoritative statement from a minister on a matter of urgent public importance. The No-Day-Yet-Named Motion refers to a motion admitted by the Speaker but not assigned a date for discussion. The No Confidence Motion, as stipulated under Article 75 of the Constitution, allows the Lok Sabha to remove the ministry from the office.
Importance of the Motion of Thanks and Cut Motions
The Motion of Thanks is discussed after each general election during the first session of every fiscal year. This motion must be passed in the House; otherwise, it symbolizes the defeat of the government.
Cut Motions offer a chance to oppose a specific allocation by the government as part of the Demand for Grants in the Finance Bill. If adopted, it leads to a no-confidence vote. Lastly, instances where the government fails to obtain necessary support in the lower House, it is obliged to resign following House norms.
Understanding these motions is essential in comprehending parliamentary procedures and the tools available to legislators to influence, express dissatisfaction, or plan governmental actions.