What is no confidence motion?

“No confidence motion” or “motion of no confidence” does have significance in the Indian Constitution.

A no confidence motion is governed by Article 75 (3) and Article 164 (5) of the Indian Constitution. It is a parliamentary procedure that allows members of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) or State Legislative Assemblies to express their lack of confidence in the incumbent government. If the motion is passed, it indicates that the government does not have the support of the majority in the house.

Key points about the no confidence motion in India:

1. Lok Sabha: In the Lok Sabha, a motion of no confidence can be introduced by any member and needs the support of at least 50 members to be admitted by the Speaker. The motion is then debated, and at the end of the debate, a vote is taken. If the majority of members present and voting support the motion, the government is bound to resign.

2. State Legislative Assemblies: Similar provisions apply to State Legislative Assemblies, where a motion of no confidence can be moved against the Council of Ministers (the state government) if supported by the required number of members.

3. Stability of the Government: The no-confidence motion is a crucial instrument of accountability in a parliamentary system. It helps in ensuring the stability of the government and ensures that it enjoys the support of the majority in the legislative body.

4. Time Limit: There is generally a time limit for discussion and voting on the no-confidence motion to prevent constant disruptions and to maintain stability in governance.

It’s essential to remember that the no confidence motion is a significant political tool and is used sparingly. In the history of independent India, there have been instances where no-confidence motions were moved against governments, leading to changes in power or reaffirmation of the ruling government’s support.