Substantive Motion in Lok Sabha:
A Member of Parliament (MP) has invoked a Substantive Motion in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), seeking disqualification from Parliament and a lifetime ban from contesting elections over alleged conduct against national interest.
- In parliamentary proceedings, a ‘motion’ is a formal proposal made by a member to elicit a decision from the House.
- Every question decided by the House must be proposed as a motion, which is then resolved in either the affirmative or the negative.
- Motions are the fundamental basis for all discussions and decisions in Parliament.
- The Speaker decides the admissibility of a motion. Under Rule 186 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, a motion must satisfy specific criteria to be admitted, including:
- It must raise one definite issue.
- It must not contain arguments, ironical expressions, or defamatory statements.
- It must be restricted to a matter of recent occurrence.
- It must not relate to a matter currently under adjudication by a court (Sub-judice).
- It must be primarily the concern of the Government of India.
- Substantive Motions:A Substantive Motion is a self-contained proposal that stands on its own and is drafted to express a clear decision of the House without referring to any other motion.
- It is used for discussing the conduct of persons in high authority or for making major decisions.
- Example: All resolutions are substantive motions because they are complete in themselves and express the decision of the House.
- It is used for:
- Impeachment of the President.
- Removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court.
- Election of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
- Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.
- Adjournment motion on a matter of public importance.
- Confidence or No-Confidence motion in the Council of Ministers.
- Resolution for removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
- Motion declaring a member’s seat vacant.
- Motions for discussion on matters of general public interest.
