NO CONFIDENCE MOTION

1. Context

After the first three days of Parliament’s monsoon session were washed out, the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance(INDIA grouping has decided to move a no-confidence against the BJP-led NDA government in Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers claimed.

2. No confidence motion

A no-confidence motion, also known as a motion of no confidence or a vote of no confidence, is a significant parliamentary mechanism used in democratic systems to express the legislature's lack of confidence in the government or a specific member of the government.
A no-confidence motion can be moved only in the Lok Sabha and by any member of the House.
The member has to give a written notice of the motion before 10 am and at least 50 members have to accept the motion. The Speaker will then decide the date for the discussion of the motion.
It serves as a crucial tool for holding elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions.

3. Initiating a No Confidence Motion

The process of initiating a no-confidence motion typically begins with the opposition parties.
They may present a formal proposal in the legislative chamber, backed by a specific number of lawmakers' signatures.
In some cases, dissatisfied members from the ruling party might also initiate such a motion.
The primary purpose is to ascertain whether the government or a particular minister still commands the majority support in the legislature.

4. Debate and Voting Process

Once the no-confidence motion is tabled, a debate follows, during which lawmakers discuss the reasons for their lack of confidence in the government's performance.
This debate allows the government to present its side and attempt to persuade lawmakers to vote in their favor.
Following the debate, a vote is held, and if the motion garners a majority of votes against the government or minister, it is considered successful.

5. Impact on Governance

A successful no-confidence motion carries significant consequences.
In some parliamentary systems, it leads to the resignation of the government, triggering the dissolution of the parliament and necessitating new elections.
Alternatively, the opposition parties may be invited to form a new government if they can demonstrate sufficient support.

6. Responsible Use and Political Stability:

While the no-confidence motion is a powerful democratic tool, its frequent or frivolous use can create political instability and hinder effective governance.
Therefore, lawmakers must exercise discretion, focusing on critical issues and genuine concerns.
Responsible use of the no-confidence motion ensures that the government remains accountable to the people and that the country's stability is maintained.

7. Significance of No confidence motion

The no-confidence motion holds significant importance in a democratic system, and its significance lies in the following aspects:

Government Accountability: The no-confidence motion serves as a powerful mechanism to hold the government accountable for its actions, decisions, and policies. It allows the legislature to express its lack of confidence in the government's performance, ensuring that the executive branch remains answerable to the elected representatives and the public.
Checks and Balances: In a democratic setup, the separation of powers is vital to prevent the concentration of authority. The no-confidence motion is one of the key instruments that the legislature can employ to check the powers of the government. It helps maintain a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too dominant.
Democratic Oversight: The no-confidence motion reinforces the principle of democratic oversight. It enables the elected representatives to actively monitor the government's performance and initiate action if they believe the government is not living up to its mandate or is engaged in misconduct.
Crisis Resolution: In times of political crises or governance failures, the no-confidence motion can be used as a means to address the situation. If the government is unable to provide effective leadership or address pressing issues, the legislature can signal its lack of confidence, prompting necessary changes in the government or leading to new elections.
Encourages Responsible Governance: The possibility of facing a no-confidence motion encourages the government to govern responsibly and make decisions that are in the best interest of the people. It acts as a motivator for the government to deliver on its promises and avoid policies that may be unpopular with the majority.
Promotes Public Debate: The no-confidence motion triggers debates and discussions in the legislature, providing a platform for lawmakers to express their views and concerns openly. This fosters a healthy democratic environment where different perspectives are heard and considered.

8. Previous instances of No-confidence motion

Since Independence, 27 no-confidence motions have been moved in Lok Sabha.
The first no-confidence motion was moved against Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru by Congress leader Acharya Kripalani in August 1963, immediately after losing to China in the 1962 war. The motion, however, was defeated.
Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister faced the most number of no-confidence motions - 15. She survived each of the 15 floor tests. Former West Bengal CM Jyotirmoy Basu of the CPI(M) has moved four no-confidence motions.
Narasimha Rao had to face three no-confidence motions, Morarji Desai two, and Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Narendra Modi have all faced one each.
The last no-confidence motion was in 2003 when the then Congress President Sonia Gandhi moved the motion against Vajpayee.
The duration of the longest debate on a no-confidence motion was 24.34 hours against Lal Bahadur Shastri, who has had to prove the majority of the House thrice.
Most no-confidence motions have been defeated except in 1979 when Prime Minister Morarji Desai had to quit and in 1999 when the Vajpayee government lost power after their ally AIADMK pulled out of the coalition.
In 2018, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government survived the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha by 195 votes. While 135 members supported the motion, 330 MPs rejected it.

For Prelims: No-confidence motion, Lok Sabha, Checks and Balances, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

For Mains: 1. Discuss the concept of a "No Confidence Motion" in a parliamentary democracy. Explain its purpose and significance in holding the government accountable for its actions and decisions. (250 words).

Previous year Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India: (UPSC 2014)

1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.

2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Source: The Hindustan Times

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