Parliamentary motion

Why in News

As Opposition parties demanded a discussion on the alleged sexual assault of at least two women in Manipur, amid the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, day two of the Monsoon Session of Parliament proceedings saw the Lok Sabha being adjourned recently

About Parliamentary motions

The proper way for an individual to propose that the group take a certain action is by making a motion.

In the parliamentary parlance, a motion means any formal proposal made to the House by a member for the purpose of eliciting a decision of the House. It is phrased in such a way that if adopted it will purport to express the judgment or will of the House. Any matter of importance can be the subject matter of a motion.

The mover of the motion frames it in a way in which he/she wishes it to be ultimately passed by the house and on which a vote of the House can conveniently be taken.

Motions bring new business to the House. It consists of numerous other proposals to take procedural steps or carry out other actions relating to a pending proposal (such as postponing it to another time) or to the assembly itself (such as taking a recess)

Different Categories of Motions In Parliament

There are different categories of motions in parliament based on their purposes. The three major categories such as the substantive motion, subsidiary motion, and substitute motion. Walk through the points that have been elaborated here to get the complete details of the different categories of motions in Parliament.

üSubstantive Motion– This is a free-standing manifesto that is presented in the House. It has been formulated in a way to demonstrate the proposal.

üSubstitute Motion– It is a replacement of other motions. They are associated with some other motions of the house.

üSubsidiary Motion– The subsidiary motions are also related to the other motions in the House. There are numerous types of subsidiary motions, such as the ancillary motion, superseding motions, and amendments.

Various motions raised in Indian Parliament

Adjournment Motion

üAn extraordinary procedure is used to call the attention of the Lower House in case of an urgency, where it will be too late to give proper notice. The adjournment motion is presented as a matter of public concern.

üIt needs the assent of 50 members to be able to admit. It is usually raised when the matter requires the immediate attention of all the members of Parliament and is a threat to the integrity of the nation.

Call-Attention Motion

üUsed to invite the attention of the respective minister to a pressing public issue. Demands an official statement in response. Hence, the name call attention motion.

üThis motion can be presented in both houses of Parliament [Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha]. The time limit for presenting the motion is 7 minutes, this can be followed by questions. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, presented the call-attention motion in the winter session of the 2021 parliamentary session.

Censure Motion

üIt can be moved against one minister or the entire Council of Ministers. Used to censure them for some grievous actions. This type of motion can be presented by the opposition party to criticize the ministers, government, or the policies introduced by the government. This motion indicates harsh criticism and ardent disagreement.

Closure Motion

üMoved by a member demanding cutting short the matter in debate. A Simple Closure Motion is moved when a member feels that a matter has been sufficiently dealt with. Closure by Compartments demands the division of a lengthy resolution into parts.

üKangaroo Closure demands that only crucial parts of a resolution may be discussed.

üGuillotine Closure is moved when undiscussed parts of a resolution are put to the vote along with the discussed ones citing the dearth of time.

Cut Motions

üUsed to oppose a demand for grants. Policy Cut Motion demands a cut of Rs. 1- a symbolic measure to express dissent.

üEconomy Cut Motion demands a cut of a specific amount. Token Cut Motion demands a cut of Rs. 100.

The motion of Thanks

üThe President addresses the opening session of each fiscal year and the first session following each general election.

üIf this motion cannot be passed, the government is deemed to have lost its majority.

No Date Yet Named Motion

üThe Speaker has approved the motion, but no date for deliberation has been set.

No-Confidence Motion

üBased on the principle of collective responsibility. If a no-confidence motion is passed, the government is said to have lost its majority. A simple majority (51%) is needed to pass the no-confidence motion. This motion can only be presented in Lok Sabha.

Point of Order

üPoint of Order is a device of parliamentary proceedings used when a member feels that the House’s proceedings do not adhere to the established rules of procedure. The decision presented by the chair is considered to be final and no further discussions are allowed.

Privilege Motion

üMoved by an MP if (s)he believes that a minister violated the House privilege. Used to condemn the concerned minister officially.

üThe parliamentarians are facilitated with certain privileges that will assist them in pursuing their roles and responsibilities efficiently.

üIn case someone starts to misuse the privileges provided to them, it is called a breach of privilege.

üThis can be presented against the members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Special Mention

üMatters that were not raised in other motions can be moved through Special Mention in the Upper House. In the Lower House, it is called Notice Mention.

Significance of Parliamentary motion

By moving a motion and initiating a debate, members can draw attention to important issues and highlight the need for action.

Members can use motions to initiate legislative action, such as the introduction of a bill or the amendment of an existing law.

Members can use motions to hold the government accountable for its actions or inactions.

Motions in parliament provide a forum for public discourse and debate on a wide range of issues.

By moving a motion and asking questions, members can demand transparency and accountability.