UPSC Prelims 2014 Q63: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Consider the following statements regarding a No - Confidence Motion in India:
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) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
No-Confidence Motion
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India | Correct | It is found in Rule 198 of the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure |
| 2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only | Correct | The Council of Ministers is responsible only to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)) |
Procedure:
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Support needed to admit | 50 members |
| Reasons | Need not be stated |
| Against | The whole Council of Ministers |
| If passed | The Government must resign |
Related motions:
| Motion | Difference |
|---|---|
| Censure motion | Reasons must be given; can be against one Minister; no need to resign |
| Confidence motion | Moved by the Government itself to prove its majority |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: it can be moved in the Lok Sabha only.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: the Constitution does not mention it.
- (c) CORRECT. It is not in the Constitution, and it can be moved in the Lok Sabha only.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are true.
Key point
No-Confidence Motion: Rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules, not in the Constitution; Lok Sabha only; 50 members' support; Government resigns if passed.
Remember
No-confidence: Lok Sabha only, Rule 198, 50 members.
Common mistakes
- Assuming such an important motion must be in the Constitution.
- Thinking it can be moved in the Rajya Sabha.
- Confusing it with a censure motion.
Exam tip
The Constitution gives the principle (Article 75(3)); the Rules give the motion (Rule 198).
Sources
- Lok Sabha Secretariat — Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (Rule 198)
- Constitution of India — Article 75(3)