UPSC Prelims 2012 Q2: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is
- (a) to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
- (b) to let opposition members collect information from the Ministers
- (c) to allow a reduction of specific amount in demand for grant
- (d) to postpone the proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behaviour on the part of some members
Answer: (a) to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
Explanation
Purpose of an adjournment motion
An adjournment motion sets aside the normal business of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| House | Lok Sabha only |
| Support needed | 50 members |
| Nature | Carries an element of censure against the Government |
| Length of debate | Not less than two and a half hours |
| Limits | One matter only; must be recent; not sub judice |
The options checked:
| Option | What it describes |
|---|---|
| (a) Discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance | Adjournment motion |
| (b) Collecting information from Ministers | Question hour |
| (c) Reduction of a specific amount in a demand for grant | Cut motion |
| (d) Postponing proceedings to check unruly behaviour | Adjournment of the sitting by the presiding officer |
Answer: (a) to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. It allows discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance.
- (b) Incorrect. Collecting information from Ministers is done in question hour.
- (c) Incorrect. Reducing a demand for grant is done by a cut motion.
- (d) Incorrect. Stopping the House for unruly behaviour is simply adjourning the sitting.
Key point
Adjournment motion: Lok Sabha only; 50 members; urgent matter of public importance; element of censure; debate of at least two and a half hours.
Remember
Adjournment motion = urgent public matter, Lok Sabha.
Common mistakes
- Confusing an adjournment motion with adjournment of the House.
- Thinking it can be moved in the Rajya Sabha.
- Mixing it up with a calling attention motion, which has no censure.
Exam tip
Adjournment motion adjourns the day's business, not the House.
Sources
- Lok Sabha Secretariat — Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (Rules 56 to 63)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Parliament (devices of parliamentary proceedings)