In a parliamentary democracy, a motion is a formal proposal made by a member of the House to initiate discussion or seek a decision on a particular matter. It is the basic parliamentary device through which the House expresses its opinion, will, or decision. Under the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, no discussion can take place without a motion being moved and admitted by the Presiding Officer. A motion can be moved by a member (Minister or Private Member) and it must be admitted by the Speaker/Chairman. We have discussed in detail about Substantive Motion vs Privilege Motion.
Substantive Motion
A Substantive Motion is a self-contained, independent motion drafted in such a way that it can express the opinion or decision of the House without reference to any other motion. It is complete in itself and is capable of being voted upon as it stands.
Examples of Substantive Motion:
- No-Confidence Motion against the Council of Ministers under Article 75 of the Constitution.
- Adjournment Motion to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance.
- Motion for the removal of the Speaker.
- Motion for the removal of Judges under impeachment provisions.
Privilege Motion
A Privilege Motion is moved when a member believes that a breach of parliamentary privilege has occurred by a minister or any other member, thereby affecting the authority, dignity, or functioning of the House. It is based on Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution, which deal with parliamentary privileges. The main objective of Privilege Motion is to protect freedom of speech in Parliament and maintain the authority and dignity of the House and rights of its members and committees
A Privilege motion is moved:
- If a minister gives misleading information.
- If incorrect or false facts are deliberately presented.
- If any act obstructs the functioning of the House.
The Speaker (in Lok Sabha) or Chairman (in Rajya Sabha) decides its admissibility.
Example: If a minister provides incorrect data in Parliament and it is later proven that the information was knowingly false, a member may move a Privilege Motion against that minister in the Lok Sabha.
Substantive Motion vs Privilege Motion
The difference between Substantive Motion and Privilege Motion is as follows:
| Substantive Motion vs Privilege Motion | ||
| Basis | Substantive Motion | Privilege Motion |
|
Meaning |
A Substantive Motion is an independent and self-contained proposal moved in the House to express a definite opinion, decision, or will of the House on a specific matter. |
A Privilege Motion is a motion moved when a member believes that a breach of parliamentary privilege has occurred, affecting the dignity, authority, or functioning of the House or its members |
|
Nature |
It is complete in itself and does not depend on any other motion for its validity or consideration. |
It is conditional in nature and arises only when an alleged breach of privilege takes place |
|
Purpose |
The purpose is to initiate discussion and obtain a formal decision of the House on an important matter of public or constitutional significance. |
The purpose is to safeguard the privileges of Parliament and ensure that members and ministers do not undermine the authority of the House |
|
Scope |
It has a broad scope and may relate to government accountability, removal of constitutional authorities, or urgent national issues. |
Its scope is limited specifically to cases involving breach of privilege or contempt of the House. |
|
Constitutional Basis |
It is based on the general rule-making powers and parliamentary procedures under the Constitution and Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. |
It is rooted in Articles 105 and 194 of the Indian Constitution, which grant privileges to Parliament and State Legislatures. |
|
Initiation |
It can be moved by any member (subject to rules), including motions such as No-Confidence Motion or Adjournment Motion |
It is moved by a member with the consent of the Speaker/Chairman when a breach of privilege is alleged. |
|
Decision making process |
It is debated in the House and usually put to vote, and the outcome reflects the collective will of the House. |
The Presiding Officer decides its admissibility, and it may be referred to the Committee of Privileges for examination and recommendation. |
|
Consequence |
It may have serious political consequences, such as resignation of the Council of Ministers in case of a No-Confidence Motion. |
It may lead to admonition, reprimand, suspension, or other disciplinary action against the member or minister found guilty. |
Last updated on February, 2026
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Substantive Motion vs Privilege Motion FAQs
Q1. What is Substantive Motion?+
Q2. What is a Privilege Motion?+
Q3. Is Privilege Motion mentioned in the Constitution?+
Q4. Who decides the admissibility of a Privilege Motion?+
Q5. Can a Privilege Motion remove the government?+
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