NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - Polity)

Context:  In an attempt to force PM to speak on the Manipur strife that has brought the monsoon session to a standstill, opposition parties of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc decided to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, with focus on the northeastern state.

• Over 50 LS members from various opposition parties are likely to submit their notice of “no-confidence” against the government.

No-confidence motion

• A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary motion which is moved in the Lok Sabha against the entire council of ministers, stating that they are no longer deemed fit to hold positions of responsibility due to their inadequacy in some respect or their failure to carry out their obligations.
• No prior reason needs to be stated for its adoption in the Lok Sabha.
• A motion of “No Confidence Motion” against the Government can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha under rule 198.
• The Constitution of India does not mention about either a Confidence or a No Confidence Motion. 
• Although, Article 75 does specify that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• A motion of  No Confidence can be admitted when a minimum of 50 members, support the motion in the house.
• The Speaker then, once satisfied that the motion is in order, will ask the House if the motion can be adopted.
• If the motion is passed in the house, the Government is bound to vacate the office.
• A no-confidence motion needs a majority vote to pass the House.
• If individuals or parties abstain from voting, those numbers will be removed from the overall strength of the House and then the majority will be taken into account.