No Confidence Motion in India

No Confidence Motion: A no-certainty movement is a way for parliament to eliminate the decision government from power. Something like 50 Lok Sabha individuals should propose the movement to the Speaker. They explain why they no longer trust the government during the debate. All MPs then vote on the movement. The government must step down if the majority votes in favor. This prompts an adjustment of force without new races. So no certainty movements permit parliament to excuse an administration they are discontent with by an immediate vote. It is a significant piece of India’s parliamentary vote-based system.

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No Confidence Motion in India

Overview on No Confidence Motion

Aspect	Details
Definition	A formal declaration by the parliament that it no longer supports the government or specific government member, questioning their ability to govern.
Purpose	– To hold the government accountable. – To ensure political stability by confirming the government enjoys the majority’s support in parliament. – To challenge specific policies or government actions.
Process	1. Initiation by a member (usually opposition). 2. Scheduled debate in parliament. 3. Vote (typically requiring a simple majority).
Outcomes if Passed	– Government may resign. – Prime minister may dissolve parliament and call new elections. – Formation of a new government without an election (if a new majority is confirmed).
Outcomes if Failed	– The government remains in power. – May strengthen the government’s position by showing it has the majority’s support.
Strategic Use	– By the opposition to challenge the government. – By the government to test its support within the parliament.
Impact	– Can lead to political instability if frequent. – Reflects public dissatisfaction and can influence public opinion.
Considerations	– Timing and context can significantly impact the motion’s success. – The dynamics within the majority coalition are crucial, especially in closely divided parliaments.

No Confidence Motion

“No Confidence Motion,” also known as a vote of no confidence, is a parliamentary or legislative procedure used to express the lack of support or trust in the current government, prime minister, or a specific member of the government. It is a formal way for members of the legislative body to challenge and potentially remove the existing government from power.

• A no-certainty movement is a proposition moved by individuals from parliament (MPs) that states they never again believe in the chosen government.
• Parliament can use it to express their disapproval of the policies, actions, or leadership of the government. By passing this movement, the parliament can drive the public authority to leave power.
• The movement is presented by somewhere around 50 Lok Sabha MPs. They demand the Speaker of the House to permit a discussion and decision on the no-certainty proposition.
• The MPs explain why they believe the government is no longer fit to be in office during the debate. All individuals then vote on the movement.
• If a larger part of MPs vote for the no-certainty movement, it is thought of as passed. Then, the public authority must choose the option to surrender power. This prompts the fall of that administration.
• So in straightforward terms, a no-certainty movement permits parliament to eliminate an administration from power if a greater part of MPs think the public authority isn’t playing out its obligations appropriately. It is significant to keep an eye on the public authority’s power.

What is a No Confidence Motion?

A No Confidence Motion is a parliamentary motion traditionally used in many democratic countries. It’s a crucial mechanism within the framework of parliamentary democracy, enabling the legislative body to hold the executive branch, typically the government or a specific minister, accountable. The motion is essentially a statement or vote indicating that the legislative body no longer has confidence in the ability of either the entire government or a particular member of the government to hold their position.

No Confidence Motion: Latest News

The no-confidence motion against the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government, spearheaded by the YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) after their break from the alliance with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), underscores significant political dynamics and tensions. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and their implications:

No Confidence Motion

• Political Strategy: The move to file a no-confidence motion by the YSR Congress and TDP, supported by a majority of the opposition parties, is a significant political maneuver aiming to challenge the government’s majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament).
• Parliamentary Procedure: The speaker’s role in admitting the motion for debate is crucial. The procedural delay, attributed to chaos or disruptions on the opposition benches, can be seen as a tactical move to manage parliamentary proceedings and possibly mitigate the immediate political impact of the motion.

Finance Bills and Guillotine Provision

• Guillotine Provision: This is a parliamentary procedure allowing the government to ensure the passage of a Finance Bill without detailed clause-by-clause debate, essentially cutting off extended discussion and moving directly to a vote. Using this for the first time in the Lok Sabha to pass the Finance Bill highlights the government’s urgency or need to avoid potentially contentious debates.
• Legislative Scrutiny: The passage of significant legislation without detailed debate raises concerns about the legislative process’s transparency and thoroughness. This approach can lead to criticisms regarding the adequacy of parliamentary scrutiny of government proposals, especially those with wide-ranging financial implications.

Money Bills

• Constitutional Provisions: The Indian Constitution provides a special procedure for Money Bills, which are primarily concerned with taxes, borrowing, and the expenditure of funds. These can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and while the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) can recommend amendments, it cannot veto Money Bills.
• Legislative Strategy: The classification of bills as Money Bills can be a strategic move, as it limits the Rajya Sabha’s role in the legislative process, where the government may not have a majority. This tactic has been critiqued for potentially undermining the bicameral legislative scrutiny.

Recent No Confidence Motion

Year	Moved By	Government Key	Reasons	Outcome
2018	Telugu Desam Party	NDA led by PM Modi	Special status for Andhra Pradesh not given in budget. Lack of benefits to the state.	Defeated – 126 votes for, 325 votes against. Government stood strong
2019	Congress	NDA led by PM Modi	Farmers distress, economic slowdown, unemployment, national security issues after Pulwama attack.	Motion admitted but not taken up for discussion or voting before dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha.
2020	Congress	NDA led by PM Modi	Handling of India-China border issues, COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis	Motion submitted but not admitted by Speaker citing lack of order and continuous disruptions in the House.
2022	AAP, Congress	AAP led by Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi	Allegations of corruption, excise policy irregularitie	Motion tabled but voting did not take place as AAP MLAs marshalled out before vote.

No Confidence Motions in Parliament

No Confidence Motion” in a parliamentary system is a formal procedure where members of the legislative body (parliament) express their lack of confidence in the current government or a specific government official, such as the Prime Minister. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Proposal: A member of parliament, often from the opposition party, puts forward a motion stating that they have no confidence in the government or a specific government official. This is usually done through a formal written notice.
2. Debate: The motion is then debated in parliament, allowing members to discuss and present their reasons for or against the motion. This debate can be intense and is an opportunity for representatives to express their concerns about the government’s performance.
3. Vote: After the debate, a vote is held. Members of parliament cast their votes to determine whether the motion of no confidence is successful. If a majority of members vote in favor of the motion, it means that parliament no longer has confidence in the current government or official.
4. Consequences: If the motion of no confidence passes, the consequences can vary. In many cases, the government is required to resign, and new elections may be called to form a new government. In some parliamentary systems, the head of state (such as the President or monarch) may invite the leader of the opposition or another political leader to attempt to form a new government.

Constitutional provisions of No Confidence Motion

The Constitution of India has two articles that discuss no-certainty movements.

Article 75 of the Constitution says that the Board of Clergymen will be aggregately mindful to the Lok Sabha. This implies that the pastors are responsible to the Lok Sabha. In the event that the Lok Sabha passes a no certainty movement, the Committee of Clergymen needs to leave.

Article 62 of the Constitution expresses that any individual from parliament can present a no certainty movement by giving 14 days notice. The movement should be endorsed by something like 50 MPs to be acknowledged.

So in basic words, the Constitution considers no certainty movements to be presented in the Lok Sabha by MPs. Additionally, the Constitution obligates the Council of Ministers to resign in the event of such a motion’s passage.

This gives a way to the Lok Sabha to pull out help from the public authority on the off chance that they dislike its presentation and strategies. The Constitution provides this capacity to Parliament to keep a beware of the chosen government..

Process and implications

The process of a no confidence motion is as follows:

• At least 50 Lok Sabha MPs must sign and present the motion to the Speaker of the House.
• The Speaker will then announce this proposal for a debate and vote.
• A debate takes place where MPs can discuss the reasons for the motion and criticize the government.
• After the debate, all present MPs will vote through a voice vote or ballot.
• If a simple majority votes in favor, the motion is passed.

The implications if a no confidence motion passes are:

• The ruling government has to resign as it has lost the confidence of the House.
• That government falls from power immediately after the vote.
• The President can then invite another leader to form the new government.
• Or if no government is possible, the President can dissolve Lok Sabha and call for fresh elections.

Requirements for a No Confidence Motion

Number of MPs needed

• For a no confidence motion to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, it needs the support of at least 50 MPs initially.
• This means 50 MPs have to sign the notice requesting the Speaker to allow the motion. If less than 50 MPs support it, the no confidence motion cannot be introduced.
• When the movement is presented, it needs a basic larger part to pass. This implies the greater part of the Individuals from Parliament present and casting a ballot need to cast a ballot for the no certainty movement.
• For instance, on the off chance that 100 MPs are available in the 545-part Lok Sabha, the movement needs no less than 51 votes to pass.
• The Indian Parliament observes the counter abandonment regulation which deters MPs from conflicting with their party’s stand. So for a no certainty vote to succeed, there hosts to be coordination between various gatherings.
• Starting a no confidence motion requires 50 MPs but passing it requires a majority vote. So parties with a strong presence are needed for it to have any realistic chance.

Houses involved

• In the Indian parliamentary system, only the Lok Sabha or lower house of Parliament can admit and vote on a no confidence motion.
• The Rajya Sabha or upper house cannot move or vote on a no confidence motion. This provision is there only in the Lok Sabha.
• This is on the grounds that in India’s parliamentary type of government, the head of the greater part party or alliance in the Lok Sabha turns into the State leader.
• So a no certainty movement is moved by the Lok Sabha to communicate that it no longer believes in the head of the House, for example the Top state leader and his/her Chamber of Pastors.
• By casting a ballot for the movement, the Lok Sabha can drive the renunciation of the State head and government.
• The Rajya Sabha doesn’t straightforwardly influence the place of the State head or the public authority. So the ability to move a no certainty movement is simply given to the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha

Debate and voting process

• The no confidence motion is introduced by at least 50 MPs submitting a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
• The Speaker announces the motion and schedules it for debate in the House.
• On the allotted day, a debate is held on the motion where MPs express their views.
• The MPs from the ruling party defend the government’s record and performance.
• MPs from the opposition attack the government and give reasons to withdraw support.
• The Prime Minister has the right to reply to the charges against his/her government.
• After the debate concludes, voting is held through voice vote or ballot.
• All present MPs can vote either in favor or against the motion.
• If a simple majority votes in favor, the no confidence motion is passed.
• The Speaker then communicates the result to the President of India.
• The government has to resign once a no confidence motion is passed.

Examples from Indian history

• In 1963, the main fruitful no-certainty movement was moved by the Socialist Coalition of India against the Nehru-driven Congress government.
• In 1975, the railroad serve surrendered subsequent to enduring a no certainty movement moved against him by the resistance.
• In 1979, the Charan Singh government was crushed through a no certainty movement only 24 days in the wake of coming to control.
• In 1989, the V.P. Singh government lost a certainty movement on the Bofors outrage by only one vote. Notwithstanding, he surrendered before the vote formally occurred.
• After the AIADMK withdrew its support, the Vajpayee government lost a confidence motion in 1999 by just one vote. This prompted races and an adjustment of government.
• In 2018, the Modi government handily endure a no certainty movement brought by the TDP and resistance groups, gathering 325 votes.

Successful vs unsuccessful motions

• At the point when a no certainty movement is passed in the Lok Sabha, it is known as a fruitful movement. This implies most of MPs casted a ballot for the movement.
• Just 3 no certainty movements have been fruitful in Indian history – in 1963, 1979 and 1999. For each situation, the decision government at the Middle needed to leave power in the wake of losing the vote.
• Then again, when a no certainty movement is crushed, it is called an ineffective movement. As a result, the government was able to withstand the vote of the majority of MPs.

Impact on government stability

• No confidence motions can destabilize and bring down elected governments in India’s parliamentary system. When successful, they directly lead to the fall of the government in power.
• However, no confidence motions are generally hard to pass given the anti-defection law. MPs vote along party lines and do not break party discipline easily.
• As a result, the threat of no confidence alone is enough to exert pressure on governments and force them to reconsider unpopular policies and actions.
• For example, in 2008 the Left parties withdrew support over the Indo-US nuclear deal forcing the Manmohan Singh government into a confidence vote. While the government survived, it did impact its stability.
• At the same time, defeating a no confidence motion can strengthen the government and give it confidence to continue its term without bowing to opposition pressures.
• So while actual passage of a no confidence motion directly brings down a government, the overall impact is more complex. The threat causes instability but also keeps governments accountable.

Speculation on future motions

• In late 2022, Nitin Gadkari of the BJP stated that if the opposition moves a no confidence motion, they will not succeed as the numbers are in NDA’s favor.
• However, opposition parties like Congress have indicated they may explore a no confidence motion to corner the government on issues like Adani-Hindenburg row, economy, unemployment etc.
• With NDA having a comfortable majority, a no confidence motion may not pass but can allow the opposition to debate and criticize the government’s policies and functioning.
• Regional parties like TMC could also consider such a motion to highlight their federalism demands and state issues.
• But anti-defection law makes it difficult for MPs to vote against their party’s direction. Unlikely that MPs will defect.
• The President’s address to the Parliament recently advised lawmakers to debate but not disrupt or obstruct the functioning of the Houses.
• So while speculation continues, circumstances suggest a future no confidence motion may be unlikely to succeed based on current numbers in the Lok Sabha.
• However, it can be an opportunity for the opposition to attack the government and highlight certain issues before the public.

Role in parliamentary democracy

• Allows the legislature to keep the executive accountable and answerable to parliament
• Upholds the principle of collective responsibility of the government towards the Lok Sabha
• Provides a constitutional mechanism for the parliament to withdraw support from an elected government
• Enables smooth transfer of power from one regime to another without necessity of fresh elections
• Allows for frequent changes in government in response to shifts in legislative majority
• Facilitates deliberation and review of government policies and actions by the people’s representatives
• Keeps the ruling party responsive to grievances and demands raised by the opposition
• Strengthens the system of checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches
• Overall, promotes executive accountability to parliament andeffective power sharing in India’s parliamentary system

Assessment of effectiveness

• Very few motions have actually succeeded in the history of independent India – only 3 so far.
• Passing a motion is difficult given the anti-defection law and party whips that discourage MPs from voting against party line.
• Regional parties with small numbers cannot make a big impact with no confidence motions. Support of major opposition party is crucial.
• At the same time, the threat of a potential no confidence motion can check government actions and compel course correction.
• Defeating a motion can conversely give a boost to the government and silence critics for some time.
• No confidence motions are now used more as a political signaling tool by the opposition than a realistic chance of success.
• They have been more successful when linked directly to a major policy action rather than just general performance.
• While playing a role in principle, the effectiveness of no confidence motions has decreased over time in actually dislodging governments.
• But they still serve to highlight issues and keep government accountable to public opinion in between elections.

Conclusion on No Confidence Motion

Though few have succeeded, no confidence motions remain a vital instrument of parliamentary democracy in India. They allow the Lok Sabha to keep the executive accountable and replace governments without elections. While restricted by party affiliations today, no confidence motions still ensure the ruling party is responsive to the opposition. Overall, these motions uphold collective responsibility and the legislature’s oversight, even if their effectiveness has declined. No confidence motions thus continue to promote executive accountability.

FAQs on No Confidence Motion

How many MPs are required to move a no confidence motion?

At least 50 Lok Sabha MPs need to sign and present the motion to move it.

Who decides whether a no confidence motion can be introduced?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha makes this decision after reviewing the criteria are met.

Which houses of parliament can vote on a no confidence motion?

Only the Lok Sabha or lower house can debate and vote on a no confidence motion.

What happens if a no confidence motion is passed in India?

If a majority vote for the motion, the government has to resign, leading to its collapse.

How many no confidence motions have succeeded in India so far?

Only three motions – in 1963, 1979, and 1999 – have garnered majority support to bring down the government.

How soon must a new government be formed if the existing government loses a no confidence vote?

There is no defined timeframe, but usually the President acts swiftly to invite a new leader who has majority support.