January 22, 2026

Parliamentary Motions Decoded No-Confidence, Adjournment, Privilege & Censure

Parliamentary Motions Decoded: No-Confidence, Adjournment, Privilege & Censure description: "The definitive guide to Parliamentary Motions in India. Understand the difference between No-Confidence and Censure Motion, the power of Adjournment Motion, and the Indian innovation of 'Calling Attention'. Learn how MPs force debates under specific Rules." date: 2026-01-13 author: Civics Desk | Sansad Online tags: [Parliamentary Motions, No Confidence Motion, Adjournment Motion, Privilege Motion, Rule 198, Calling Attention, Censure Motion, Lok Sabha Rules]

📜 Parliament 101: Parliamentary Motions (The MP's Arsenal)

The Action Engine

How Parliament moves from 'Talk' to 'Action'.

The Nuclear Option: No-Confidence Motion (Topples Govt).
The Emergency Brake: Adjournment Motion (Stops all business).
The Spotlight: Calling Attention Motion (Indian Innovation).
The Scolding: Censure Motion (Criticizes specific policy).

🏛️ THE RULEBOOK REALITY: Parliament doesn't just "chat." Every minute is regulated by the Rules of Procedure. If an MP wants to discuss the "Manipur Violence" or "Train Accident," they cannot just stand up and shout. They must move a specific "Motion" (a formal proposal). The Speaker decides whether to admit it or reject it. The type of motion chosen determines the severity of the attack on the government.

Introduction: Moving the House

(Why Motions Matter)

A "Motion" is essentially a formal proposal made by a member that the House should do something, order something, or express an opinion on something.

In a democracy, the Government (Prime Minister & Cabinet) is powerful, but the Parliament is Supreme. To ensure the Government doesn't become a dictatorship, the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure give MPs specific "tools" to hold the Executive accountable.

These tools range from a gentle tap on the shoulder (Calling Attention) to a punch in the face (Adjournment Motion) to a fatal blow (No-Confidence Motion).

Understanding these motions is crucial for decoding political news. When the Opposition walks out because the "Speaker rejected the Adjournment Motion," it’s not just drama; it’s a fight over which specific rule applies to the debate.

This guide breaks down the 5 most critical motions that define Indian parliamentary democracy.

💥 1. No-Confidence Motion (The Nuclear Button)

This is the ultimate power of the Lok Sabha.

Legal Basis: Article 75 says the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules defines the procedure.
Who can move it: Any Lok Sabha MP (usually Opposition Leader).
Support Needed: At least 50 MPs must stand up in support for it to be admitted.
The Impact:
- If admitted, the Speaker allots a date for debate (within 10 days).
- The PM must reply to the debate.
- A Vote is held.
- If the Government loses the vote (even by 1 vote), the Government Must Resign immediately.
Grounds: No reason needs to be stated in the motion. It just says: "This House expresses want of confidence in the Council of Ministers."
Exclusive: Can be introduced only in Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha).

Historic Trivia: The first No-Confidence Motion was moved by Acharya Kripalani against Nehru in 1963 (immediately after the China war). It failed, but it set the precedent. The only PM to lose power directly on the floor of the House due to this vote was V.P. Singh in 1990.

🛑 2. Adjournment Motion (The Emergency Brake)

When something terrible happens (e.g., a massive terrorist attack or a bridge collapse), the Opposition demands that all planned work (passing Bills, etc.) be stopped to discuss this crisis.

Objective: To draw the attention of the House to a "definite matter of urgent public importance."
The Sting: It involves an element of Censure (scolding) against the government.
Admission: It is very difficult to get admitted. The Speaker usually rejects it, saying "You can discuss this in normal time."
Support Needed: 50 MPs.
Duration: The debate must last at least 2.5 hours.
Exclusive: Only in Lok Sabha (because it involves censuring the Govt, which Rajya Sabha cannot strictly do).

⚠️ 3. Censure Motion (The Specific Attack)

People often confuse this with No-Confidence.

Feature	No-Confidence Motion	Censure Motion
Target	The Entire Council of Ministers.	Individual Minister or Specific Policy.
Reason	No reason needed.	Specific reason must be stated.
Impact	If passed, Govt Resigns.	If passed, Govt need not resign, but faces shame.
Meaning	"We don't trust you anymore."	"We don't like this specific action."

Use Case: If the Home Minister fails to control a riot, the Opposition might move a Censure Motion specifically against the Home Minister.

📢 4. Calling Attention Motion (The Indian Innovation)

This is a "Made in India" parliamentary tool (introduced in 1954). It is not mentioned in the original British rules.

Objective: To call the attention of a Minister to a matter of urgent public importance.
Procedure:
- The MP stands up and calls attention to the issue.
- The Minister must make a statement (answer) immediately or ask for time.
- Unlike Question Hour (where the answer is pre-planned), this is for sudden developments.
Impact: It is less severe than an Adjournment Motion because it does not involve a "Vote" or "Censure." It is purely for getting information/clarification.
Houses: Allowed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

🛡️ 5. Privilege Motion (The Integrity Check)

Ministers have access to official files. If they lie to Parliament, it is a crime against the House.

The Concept: Parliamentary Privilege (rights/immunities) allows MPs to speak freely. But if a Minister gives false information or withholds facts, they breach this privilege.
Procedure:
- An MP moves a Privilege Motion against the Minister.
- The Speaker/Chairperson examines it.
- If valid, it is sent to the Privileges Committee (a group of 15 MPs).
Punishment: The Committee acts like a mini-court. It can summon the Minister. If found guilty, the Minister can be admonished (scolded) or even suspended.
Example: In 1978, Indira Gandhi was expelled from the House for breach of privilege (obstructing officials).

✂️ 6. Cut Motions (The Budget Weapon)

These are specific to the Budget Session. When the Government asks for money ("Demand for Grants"), the Opposition tries to reduce ("Cut") the amount to show disapproval.

Policy Cut Motion:
- "The amount of the demand be reduced to Re 1."
- Meaning: "We disapprove of the policy entirely." (Most severe).
Economy Cut Motion:
- "The amount of the demand be reduced by [Specific Amount]."
- Meaning: "You are spending too much; save money here."
Token Cut Motion:
- "The amount of the demand be reduced by Rs 100."
- Meaning: "I have a specific grievance (e.g., poor road in my district) to vent."

Danger: If a Cut Motion is passed, it is effectively a defeat of the government on a Money Bill, and the Govt may have to resign. Hence, the ruling party issues a "Whip" to ensure all MPs are present to vote against it.

📜 Other Important Motions

Thanks Motion (President's Address)

After the President addresses the Joint Session, a Motion of Thanks is debated.
It must be passed. If it is defeated, the government falls.
Opposition MPs move "Amendments" to this motion to embarrass the government.

No-Day-Yet-Named Motion

A motion that has been admitted by the Speaker but no date has been fixed for its discussion. The Speaker decides the date in consultation with the Business Advisory Committee.

Dilatory Motion

A motion moved to delay the business (e.g., "I move that this debate be adjourned").
The Speaker usually rejects this if they feel it is an abuse of rules to waste time.

🏛️ How a Motion is Debated (The Process)

Notice: The MP gives written notice to the Secretary-General (usually before 10 AM).
Admissibility: The Speaker decides if it follows the rules (e.g., is it urgent? is it specific?).
Leave of the House: For serious motions (like No-Confidence), the MP must ask for "Leave" (Permission). 50 MPs must stand up to grant leave.
Debate: The House debates. The Mover speaks first, then other parties, and finally the Minister replies.
Vote: The Speaker puts the question: "Those in favor say Aye, those against say No." If needed, a Division (electronic vote) is held.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can Rajya Sabha move a No-Confidence Motion?

No.

Under Article 75(3), the Council of Ministers is responsible only to the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
Rajya Sabha can criticize the government (via other motions), but it cannot remove the government.

Q2. What is a "Guillotine" in motions?

In the Budget session, due to lack of time, the Speaker puts all outstanding Demands for Grants to vote without discussion. This abrupt ending is called the Guillotine.

Q3. Can a Motion be withdrawn?

Yes.

The mover can ask for permission to withdraw.
However, if even one MP objects to the withdrawal, the motion must be put to vote. The House owns the motion once it is moved, not the individual MP.

Q4. What is the difference between a "Resolution" and a "Motion"?

Motion: A proposal to discuss or decide something.
Resolution: A specific type of motion that acts as a formal declaration of the opinion of the House.
- Rule of Thumb: All Resolutions are Motions, but not all Motions are Resolutions.
- Statutory Resolution: Moved because a Law requires it (e.g., Disapproving an Ordinance).

Q5. What is "Point of Order"?

It is not a motion.

It is an objection raised by an MP if the proceedings are violating the Rules of Procedure.
Example: "Sir, the Minister is quoting a document but not tabling it. This violates Rule X."
The Speaker decides immediately. No debate is allowed on a Point of Order.

Bookmark this page. When the Parliament erupts in chaos, it is usually because one of these motions is being fought over.