34.Motions, State, Legislature, Union, Judiciary Flashcards
What is required to have a discussion on a matter of general public importance?
A discussion on a matter of general public importance can take place only on a motion made with the consent of the presiding officer.
How does the House express its decisions or opinions on various issues?
The House expresses its decisions or opinions on various issues through the adoption or rejection of motions moved by either ministers or private members.
How many categories of motion are there?
There are three principal categories of motions: substantive motion, substitute motion, and subsidiary motion.
What is a substantive motion?
A substantive motion is a self-contained independent proposal dealing with a very important matter, such as the impeachment of the President or the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.
What is a substitute motion?
A substitute motion is a motion that is moved in substitution of an original motion and proposes an alternative to it. If adopted by the House, it supersedes the original motion.
What is a subsidiary motion?
A subsidiary motion is a motion that, by itself, has no meaning and cannot state the decision of the House without reference to the original motion or proceedings of the House.
What are the three sub-categories of subsidiary motion?
The three sub-categories of subsidiary motion are ancillary motion, superseding motion, and amendment.
What is a closure motion?
A closure motion is a motion moved by a member to cut short the debate on a matter before the House.
What happens if a closure motion is approved by the House?
If the closure motion is approved, the debate is stopped immediately, and the matter is put to vote.
How many kinds of closure motions are there?
There are four kinds of closure motions.
What is a simple closure motion?
A simple closure motion is when a member moves that the matter, having been sufficiently discussed, be now put to vote.
What is closure by compartments?
Closure by compartments is when the clauses of a bill or a lengthy resolution are grouped into parts before the debate begins. The debate covers the part as a whole, and the entire part is put to vote.
What is kangaroo closure?
Kangaroo closure is when only important clauses of a bill or a resolution are taken up for debate and voting, while the intervening clauses are skipped over and taken as passed.
What is guillotine closure?
Guillotine closure is when the undiscussed clauses of a bill or a resolution are also put to vote along with the discussed ones due to lack of time allotted for discussion.
What is the purpose of the Calling Attention Motion?
The purpose of the Calling Attention Motion is to call the attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance and seek an authoritative statement from them on that matter.
Who introduces the Calling Attention Motion in the Parliament?
A member of Parliament introduces the Calling Attention Motion in the Parliament.
When was the Calling Attention Motion introduced?
The Calling Attention Motion has been in existence since 1954.
Is the Calling Attention Motion mentioned in the Rules of Procedure?
Yes, unlike the zero hour, the Calling Attention Motion is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure.
What is the similarity between the Calling Attention Motion and the zero hour?
Like the zero hour, the Calling Attention Motion is an Indian innovation in the parliamentary procedure.
What is the difference between the Calling Attention Motion and the zero hour?
The Calling Attention Motion is mentioned in the Rules of Procedure, whereas the zero hour is not mentioned in the rules.
What does the Calling Attention Motion seek from a minister?
The Calling Attention Motion seeks an authoritative statement from a minister on a matter of urgent public importance.
Who can initiate the Calling Attention Motion?
Any member of Parliament can initiate the Calling Attention Motion.
What is the significance of the Calling Attention Motion?
The Calling Attention Motion helps bring urgent public matters to the attention of ministers and allows for an authoritative statement to be sought on those matters.
What is the historical background of the Calling Attention Motion?
The Calling Attention Motion has been in existence since 1954 and is considered an Indian innovation in parliamentary procedure.
What is the purpose of the Adjournment Motion?
The purpose of the Adjournment Motion is to draw attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance and adjourn the house to discuss that matter.
How many members’ support is required for the Adjournment Motion to be admitted?
The Adjournment Motion requires the support of 50 members to be admitted.
Why is the Adjournment Motion considered an extraordinary device?
The Adjournment Motion is regarded as an extraordinary device because it interrupts the normal business of the House.
Which house of Parliament is not permitted to make use of the Adjournment Motion?
The Rajya Sabha is not permitted to make use of the Adjournment Motion.
How long should the discussion on an adjournment motion last?
The discussion on an adjournment motion should last for not less than two hours and thirty minutes.
What are the restrictions on the right to move a motion for an adjournment of the business of the House?
The restrictions on the right to move an adjournment motion include:
*The matter should be definite, factual, urgent, and of public importance.
*It should cover only one matter.
*It should be restricted to a specific matter of recent occurrence and not in general terms.
*It should not raise a question of privilege.
*It should not revive discussion on a matter already discussed in the same session.
*It should not deal with a matter under adjudication by the court.
*It should not raise a question that can be raised on a distinct motion.
How is the Adjournment Motion different from the Calling Attention Motion?
The Adjournment Motion involves adjourning the house to discuss an urgent matter, while the Calling Attention Motion seeks an authoritative statement from a minister on a matter of urgent public importance.
What is the significance of the Adjournment Motion?
The Adjournment Motion allows for a focused discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance, providing an opportunity for the House to address critical issues.
What is the minimum number of members required to support the Adjournment Motion?
The Adjournment Motion requires the support of 50 members.
What are the limitations on the Adjournment Motion?
The limitations on the Adjournment Motion include restrictions on the nature of the matter, the scope of discussion, previous discussions on the same matter, matters under court adjudication, questions of privilege, and matters that can be raised on a distinct motion.
Why has the Confidence Motion emerged as a new procedural device?
The Confidence Motion has emerged as a new procedural device to address situations of fractured mandates resulting in hung parliament, minority governments, and coalition governments.
In what circumstances are governments called upon to prove their majority?
Governments formed with a wafer-thin majority are called upon by the President to prove their majority on the floor of the House.
Who can initiate a Confidence Motion?
The government of the day, sometimes on its own, can initiate a Confidence Motion to prove its majority and win the confidence of the House.
What is the outcome if a Confidence Motion is successful?
If the Confidence Motion goes through and is successful, it results in the fall of the government.
What is the purpose of a Confidence Motion?
The purpose of a Confidence Motion is to determine the level of support and confidence that the government enjoys in the House.
What situations can lead to the need for a Confidence Motion?
Situations such as fractured mandates, hung parliament, minority governments, and coalition governments can lead to the need for a Confidence Motion.
Who has the authority to call for a Confidence Motion?
The President or the government itself can call for a Confidence Motion to establish the majority support of the government.
What happens if a Confidence Motion fails?
If a Confidence Motion fails, the government may lose its mandate and may need to explore alternatives such as forming a new government or calling for fresh elections.
What is the significance of the Confidence Motion?
The Confidence Motion plays a crucial role in determining the stability and continuity of a government, especially in situations where there is uncertainty regarding its majority support.
How does a Confidence Motion differ from other parliamentary motions?
Unlike other motions that focus on specific issues or policy matters, a Confidence Motion directly challenges the government’s ability to retain the confidence and support of the House. Its outcome can lead to significant political consequences, such as a change in government or the dissolution of the House.
What is a Dilatory Motion?
A Dilatory Motion is a motion that aims to adjourn the debate on a bill, motion, resolution, or any business under consideration of the House. It can also be used to retard or delay the progress of a business.
When can a member move a Dilatory Motion?
A member can move a Dilatory Motion at any time after a motion has been made.
What is the scope of the debate on a Dilatory Motion?
The debate on a Dilatory Motion must be restricted to the matter contained in that motion. It cannot veer off to unrelated topics.
What can the Speaker do if they believe a Dilatory Motion is an abuse of the rules?
If the Speaker deems a Dilatory Motion to be an abuse of the rules of the House, they may either immediately put the question on the motion or choose not to propose the question at all.
What is the purpose of a Dilatory Motion?
The purpose of a Dilatory Motion is to either adjourn the debate on a particular matter or to delay the progress of a business under consideration in the House.
Can a Dilatory Motion be moved on any motion or business?
Yes, a Dilatory Motion can be moved on a bill, motion, resolution, or any business that is being discussed in the House.
What is the role of the Speaker regarding a Dilatory Motion?
The Speaker has the authority to determine whether a Dilatory Motion is an abuse of the rules and can decide whether to put the question on the motion or decline to propose it.
How does a Dilatory Motion affect the progress of business in the House?
A Dilatory Motion, if successful, can disrupt the normal flow of business by either adjourning the debate or intentionally delaying the progress of the matter at hand.
What are the limitations on the scope of debate for a Dilatory Motion?
The debate on a Dilatory Motion must remain focused on the content of the motion itself and should not digress into unrelated topics.
What happens if the Speaker declines to propose the question on a Dilatory Motion?
If the Speaker declines to propose the question on a Dilatory Motion, it effectively halts the motion from progressing further, and the debate can move on to the next item of business.
What is a Point of Order?
A Point of Order is a mechanism by which a member can raise concerns when the proceedings of the House deviate from the normal rules of procedure.
What should a Point of Order relate to?
A Point of Order should relate to the interpretation or enforcement of the Rules of the House or relevant articles of the Constitution that regulate the business of the House. It should raise a question within the Speaker’s jurisdiction.
Who typically raises a Point of Order?
A Point of Order is often raised by an opposition member with the intention of exerting control over the government.
What is the effect of a Point of Order on the proceedings of the House?
A Point of Order suspends the ongoing proceedings before the House, bringing attention to the irregularity or violation of rules. It interrupts the flow of business.
Is debate allowed on a Point of Order?
No, no debate is permitted on a Point of Order. It is meant to address procedural matters rather than engaging in substantive discussions.
Why is a Point of Order considered an extraordinary device?
A Point of Order is regarded as an extraordinary device because it has the power to temporarily halt the proceedings of the House and does not allow for extensive debate.
What is the purpose of raising a Point of Order?
The purpose of raising a Point of Order is to ensure that the proceedings of the House adhere to established rules and regulations. It serves as a mechanism for maintaining order and proper procedure.
Who has the authority to determine the validity of a Point of Order?
The Speaker of the House has the authority to determine the validity and relevance of a Point of Order raised by a member.
What is the scope of a Point of Order?
A Point of Order should pertain to matters of procedural irregularity or violation of rules within the jurisdiction of the Speaker. It is not meant to address substantive policy issues.
Can a Point of Order be raised at any time during the proceedings?
Yes, a member can raise a Point of Order at any time when they believe that the proceedings of the House deviate from the normal rules of procedure.
What is the key difference between a Censure Motion and a No-Confidence Motion?
The key difference is that a Censure Motion can be moved against an individual minister, a group of ministers, or the entire council of ministers, while a No-Confidence Motion can only be moved against the entire council of ministers.
Do Censure Motions and No-Confidence Motions need to state reasons for their adoption in the Lok Sabha?
Yes, a Censure Motion needs to state the reasons for its adoption, while a No-Confidence Motion does not require stating reasons.
What is the purpose of a Censure Motion?
The purpose of a Censure Motion is to censure the council of ministers for specific policies and actions.
What is the purpose of a No-Confidence Motion?
The purpose of a No-Confidence Motion is to ascertain the confidence of the Lok Sabha in the council of ministers.
Who can be targeted by a Censure Motion?
A Censure Motion can be moved against an individual minister, a group of ministers, or the entire council of ministers.
Who can be targeted by a No-Confidence Motion?
A No-Confidence Motion can only be moved against the entire council of ministers.
What is the outcome if a Censure Motion is passed in the Lok Sabha?
If a Censure Motion is passed in the Lok Sabha, the council of ministers is not required to resign from office.
What is the outcome if a No-Confidence Motion is passed in the Lok Sabha?
If a No-Confidence Motion is passed in the Lok Sabha, the council of ministers must resign from office.
What is the common requirement for both motions to be passed in the Lok Sabha?
Both motions require the support and approval of the Lok Sabha to be passed.
Which motion allows for more targeted criticism and accountability, individual ministers or the entire council of ministers?
The Censure Motion allows for more targeted criticism and accountability as it can be moved against individual ministers, while the No-Confidence Motion addresses the confidence in the entire council of ministers.
What is another name for Short Duration Discussion?
Short Duration Discussion is also known as a “two-hour discussion” because the allotted time for such discussions should not exceed two hours.
On what basis can members of Parliament raise a Short Duration Discussion?
Members of Parliament can raise a Short Duration Discussion on a matter of urgent public importance.
How often can the Speaker allot time for Short Duration Discussions?
The Speaker can allot two days in a week for Short Duration Discussions in the Parliament.
Is there a formal motion or voting involved in a Short Duration Discussion?
No, there is neither a formal motion nor voting during a Short Duration Discussion.
Since when has the device of Short Duration Discussion been in existence?
The device of Short Duration Discussion has been in existence since 1953.
What is the purpose of moving resolutions?
Members can move resolutions to bring attention to matters of general public interest in the House or the government.
What is the scope of discussion in relation to a resolution?
The discussion on a resolution should strictly be relevant to and within the scope of the resolution itself.
Can a member withdraw a resolution or an amendment to a resolution without the leave of the House?
No, a member who has moved a resolution or an amendment to a resolution cannot withdraw it except by the leave of the House.
What is the purpose of the Question Hour in parliamentary proceedings?
The purpose of the Question Hour is to allow members to ask questions and ministers to provide answers.
What are the three types of questions asked during the Question Hour?
The three types of questions asked during the Question Hour are starred questions, unstarred questions, and short notice questions.
What is the difference between a starred question and an unstarred question?
A starred question requires an oral answer and allows for supplementary questions, while an unstarred question requires a written answer and does not allow for supplementary questions.
How is a short notice question different from other types of questions?
A short notice question is asked by giving a notice of less than ten days and is answered orally.
What is the purpose of a Closure Motion?
The purpose of a Closure Motion is to cut short the debate on a matter before the House and proceed to a vote.
How many types of closure motions are there?
There are four types of closure motions: Simple Closure, Closure by Compartments, Kangaroo Closure, and Guillotine Closure.
What happens during a Simple Closure?
During a Simple Closure, a member moves that the matter, having been sufficiently discussed, be put to vote.
What is Closure by Compartments?
Closure by Compartments involves grouping the clauses of a bill or a lengthy resolution into parts, and the debate covers each part as a whole, which is then put to vote.
What is Kangaroo Closure?
Kangaroo Closure focuses on debating and voting on important clauses, skipping over the intervening clauses.
What is Guillotine Closure?
Guillotine Closure occurs when the un-discussed clauses of a bill or a resolution are put to vote along with the discussed ones due to insufficient time for further discussion.
What is a Privilege Motion?
A Privilege Motion is moved by a member when they believe that a minister has breached the parliamentary privileges of the House or its members by withholding or distorting facts. Its purpose is to censure the concerned minister.
When is a Privilege Motion moved?
A Privilege Motion is moved when there is a perceived breach of parliamentary privileges by a minister.
What is the purpose of a Privilege Motion?
The purpose of a Privilege Motion is to censure a minister who has committed a breach of privilege of the House or its members.