Substantive Motion in Lok Sabha: Rules, Procedure, and Key Past Cases

A substantive motion against the Leader of Opposition of Loksabha has been moved by a leader of the ruling party.

About Substantive Motion

• A substantive motion is an independent proposal placed before the Lok Sabha seeking a clear and binding decision of the House.
  • Example: Motions for the election of the Deputy Chairman, Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address and Motion to declare the seat of a member vacant where leave of absence has not been granted are examples of substantive motions moved in the Rajya Sabha.
• Self-Contained Nature: It is complete in itself and is not linked to any other business under discussion.
  • When adopted, it represents the formal opinion or will of the House on a specific matter
• Speaker’s Approval Requirement: Under the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha, such a motion can be admitted only with the approval of the Speaker.
• Discretion of the Speaker: The Speaker has full discretion to accept or reject the notice and to decide how it should be taken up.
  • If admitted, it can be debated in the House and put to vote.
• Distinct from Routine Discussions: Unlike routine interventions that are part of daily debate, a substantive motion compels the House to directly consider the issue raised and take a position on it.
• Discussion on Conduct of High Authorities: The conduct of persons in high authority can only be discussed on a substantive motion drawn in proper terms.
• Requirement of Seconding: Except for the motion for election of the Deputy Chairman and the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, no substantive motion requires to be seconded.
• Notice and Moving of Motion: A substantive motion requires notice to be given and can be moved only by the member who has given the notice.
  • Exception in Case of Ministers: There is an exception though: where a motion stands in the name of a Minister, it may be moved by another Minister, but the mover has to mention that he is moving it on behalf of the other Minister.

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