1. What is a Motion in Parliament?

A motion is a formal proposal made by a Member of Parliament (MP) or a Minister to initiate discussion or take a decision on a matter of public importance.

Key idea: No discussion can take place in Parliament unless a motion is moved and accepted by the Speaker/Chairman.

2. Why are Motions Important?

• Allow MPs to raise public issues
• Enable Parliament to control and question the Executive
• Ensure democratic debate and accountability
• Provide a structured method for discussion and decision-making

3. Who Allows a Motion?

• Lok Sabha → Speaker
• Rajya Sabha → Chairman (Vice-President)

Their permission is mandatory.

4. Categories of Motions in Parliament

Motions are broadly divided into three categories:

A. Substantive Motion

• Independent motion
• Complete in itself
• Leads to a direct decision of the House

Examples:

• Impeachment of the President
• Removal of Chief Election Commissioner
• No-Confidence Motion

B. Substitute Motion

• Moved in place of another motion
• If adopted, it replaces the original motion

Example:
A new motion replacing an original resolution under discussion.

C. Subsidiary Motion

• Cannot stand alone
• Depends on the main motion or ongoing business

Types of Subsidiary Motions:

5. Closure Motion

A motion to end the debate and put the matter to a vote.

Types of Closure Motions:

6. Calling Attention Motion

• MP draws attention to a matter of urgent public importance
• The minister gives an authoritative statement
• Indian innovation (introduced in 1954)

Difference from Zero Hour:

• Calling Attention is mentioned in the Rules
• Zero Hour is not mentioned anywhere

7. Privilege Motion

• Raised when a Minister violates parliamentary privilege
• Example: Giving false or misleading information
• Purpose → Censure the Minister

8. Adjournment Motion

• Used to discuss a definite, urgent public issue
• Disrupts normal business
• Needs the support of 50 members
• The debate must last a minimum of 2.5 hours

Not allowed in the Rajya Sabha

9. No-Confidence Motion

• Can be moved only in the Lok Sabha
• Needs the support of 50 MPs
• If passed → Government must resign

Key Facts:

• Not mentioned in the Constitution
• First moved in 1963 by Acharya Kriplani
• The maximum number moved against the Indira Gandhi Government

10. Confidence Motion

• The government proves its majority
• Used in:
  • Hung Parliament
  • Coalition or minority governments
• If defeated → Government falls

11. Censure Motion

• Moved only in the Lok Sabha
• Must be specific and reasoned
• Can be against:
  • Council of Ministers
  • Individual Minister

Difference from No-Confidence Motion:

12. Motion of Thanks

• Moved after the President’s Address
• Must be passed in both Houses
• Failure = defeat of the government

13. No Day Yet Named Motion

• Motion accepted, but date not fixed
• Speaker decides timing later based on House business

14. Dilatory Motion

• Used to delay or adjourn the debate
• The speaker can reject if misused

15. Cut Motion (Very Important for Prelims)

Used to oppose Demands for Grants in the Budget.

Only in the Lok Sabha

Types of Cut Motions:

If passed → treated as No-Confidence Motion

16. Resolutions in Parliament

• A specific form of substantive motion
• Always voted upon

Types of Resolutions:

17. Note

• All resolutions are motions, but not all motions are resolutions
• No-Confidence Motion → Only Lok Sabha
• Adjournment Motion → Not in Rajya Sabha
• Guillotine → Time-bound voting
• Cut Motion → Budget control tool

Memory Trick

“PAC-CAN-DC” to remember powerful motions: Privilege – Adjournment – Censure – Calling Attention – Adjournment – No Confidence – Dilatory – Cut