BharatNotes
What is a No-Confidence Motion?
A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary procedure through which the Lok Sabha can express its lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers, compelling the entire government to resign. While the Indian Constitution does not explicitly mention the term "no-confidence motion," it is derived from Article 75(3), which states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People. The detailed procedure is laid down in Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
The motion can be moved by any member of the Lok Sabha by giving a written notice to the Speaker. The Speaker reads the motion in the House, and if at least 50 members rise in support, a date is fixed for discussion. Crucially, the motion need not state the reasons for the lack of confidence — it is a simple test of whether the government commands a majority.
If the motion is passed by a simple majority of members present and voting, the entire Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, must resign. The motion can only be moved in the Lok Sabha, not in the Rajya Sabha, as the government is collectively responsible only to the lower house.
Key Features / Provisions
| # | Feature | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Constitutional basis | Article 75(3) — collective responsibility to Lok Sabha |
| 2 | Procedural basis | Rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure |
| 3 | Who can move | Any member of Lok Sabha |
| 4 | Minimum support | At least 50 members must rise in favour for admission |
| 5 | No reasons required | The motion need not state reasons for lack of confidence |
| 6 | Voting requirement | Simple majority of members present and voting |
| 7 | Effect if passed | Entire Council of Ministers must resign |
| 8 | Only in Lok Sabha | Cannot be moved in Rajya Sabha |
| 9 | Speaker's role | Allocates time for debate; conducts the vote |
| 10 | No time limit for debate | The Speaker decides the duration of discussion |
Historical Background
| # | Year | PM Targeted | Moved By | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1963 | Jawaharlal Nehru | Acharya J.B. Kripalani | Defeated (347 vs 62) — first-ever no-confidence motion in India |
| 2 | 1966 | Indira Gandhi | Various Opposition leaders | Defeated |
| 3 | 1979 | Morarji Desai | Y.B. Chavan | Desai resigned before the vote |
| 4 | 1990 | V.P. Singh | Rajiv Gandhi | Passed — government fell |
| 5 | 1997 | H.D. Deve Gowda | Congress withdrew support | Passed — government fell |
| 6 | 1999 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Opposition | Passed by 1 vote (270 vs 269) — first defeat on the floor of the House |
| 7 | 2003 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Opposition | Defeated |
| 8 | 2018 | Narendra Modi | TDP & others | Defeated (325 vs 126) — most recent motion |
Total no-confidence motions moved (as of 2023): 31 in Lok Sabha history. Indira Gandhi faced the most — 15 motions during her tenure.
No-Confidence Motion vs Censure Motion
| Parameter | No-Confidence Motion | Censure Motion |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional basis | Article 75(3) read with Rule 198 | No specific rule; based on parliamentary practice |
| Reasons required | No reasons need to be stated | Reasons must be stated |
| Against whom | Against the entire Council of Ministers | Against individual ministers or group of ministers or entire CoM |
| Effect if passed | Entire CoM must resign | Moral censure; no legal obligation to resign |
| Minimum support | 50 members for admission | No specific requirement |
| Discussion | General discussion on government's performance | Specific discussion on stated reasons |
UPSC Exam Corner
Prelims: Key Facts
- Constitutional basis: Article 75(3); procedural basis: Rule 198 of Lok Sabha
- Minimum 50 members must support for admission
- No reasons need to be stated
- Decided by simple majority of members present and voting
- Only in Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha)
- First motion: 1963 by Acharya J.B. Kripalani against Nehru
- First (and only) successful motion on floor: 1999 against Vajpayee (lost by 1 vote)
- Total motions moved: 31 (as of 2023)
- Indira Gandhi faced the most: 15 motions
- Different from a Confidence Motion (where the government itself seeks a vote of confidence)
Mains: Probable Themes
- "The no-confidence motion is the ultimate instrument of parliamentary accountability." — Discuss its efficacy
- Compare the no-confidence motion with the censure motion in terms of constitutional provisions and consequences
- "In the era of anti-defection law, has the no-confidence motion lost its teeth?" — Analyse
- Examine the role of no-confidence motions in India's parliamentary history with key examples
- "The no-confidence motion mechanism needs reform to make the government truly accountable." — Suggest improvements
Sources: PRS India — The Story of No-Confidence | Next IAS — No Confidence Motion | Business Standard — No-Confidence Motion Explained | GNLU — No-Confidence Motion in India
