UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:

1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India. 
2. A motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: 

No-Confidence Motion: Article 75 of the Constitution of India says that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. It means that the ministry stays in office so long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority of the members of the Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha can remove the ministry from office by passing a no-confidence motion.

• A no-confidence motion can be moved by any member of the House. It can be moved only in the Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  
• Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Lok Sabha specifies the procedure for moving a no-confidence motion. It has not been mentioned in the Constitution of India. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• The member has to give written notice of the motion before 10 am which will be read out by the Speaker in the House. A minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion and accordingly, the Speaker will announce the date for discussion of the motion. The allotted date has to be within 10 days from the day the motion is accepted. Otherwise, the motion fails and the member who moved the motion will be informed about it.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer. 

Subject: Polity | Parliament