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No-trust vote

Topics Covered: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

No-trust vote:

Context:

The no-confidence motion moved by the Congress against the Bharatiya Janata Party-Jannayak Janta Party coalition government in Haryana has been defeated by 55 votes to 32.

What is a No-Confidence Motion?

A Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly and it remains in office till it enjoys the confidence of majority.

  • Therefore, a motion of no-confidence is moved to remove the council of ministers and to remove the government from the office.

Constitutional provisions:

According to the Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and as per Article 164, the council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.

  • Lok Sabha/Legislative Assembly can remove the ministry from the office by passing a no-confidence motion.
  • Lok Sabha Rule 198 specifies the procedure for a motion of no-confidence.

What is the procedure to move a No-Confidence Motion?

Against the Government, a motion of No-Confidence Motion can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha under rule 198.

There should be a minimum of 50 members to accept the motion. If not, then the motion fails. Before 10 am, any member may provide written notice.

  • The motion of no-confidence is read by the Speaker within the House and asks all those favouring the motion to rise.
  • If 50 MPS are there in favour then the Speaker could allot a date for discussing the motion. But this has to be done within 10 days.
  • Then, the motion is put to vote and can be conducted through Voice Vote, Division of Votes or other means.
  • If the government loses a confidence motion or if the no-confidence motion is accepted by the majority then the government has to resign.

What are the conditions related to no-confidence motion?

  • It can be moved only in the Lok Sabha or state assembly as the case may be. It cannot be moved in the Rajya Sabha or state legislative council.
  • The no-confidence motion is moved against the entire Council of Ministers and not individual ministers or private members.

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

  1. What is a no-confidence motion?
  2. Who can move it?
  3. Procedure to be followed?
  4. Can it be introduced in Rajya Sabha?
  5. Majority needed to pass the no-confidence motion.
  6. Article 75 is related to?
  7. Article 164.
  8. Difference between censure motion and no confidence motion.

Sources: the Hindu.