Context: 

Recently, the Delhi Government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejirwal has moved a Confidence motion in the Delhi Assembly.

• In the realm of Indian parliamentary democracy, the Confidence Motion serves as a litmus test for the stability of the ruling government. 

About Confidence Motion

A Confidence Motion, also known as a Vote of Confidence, is a parliamentary motion initiated to test the majority support enjoyed by the incumbent government. It provides an opportunity for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to express their confidence or lack thereof in the ruling administration.

• Constitutional Provisions: Article 75(3) and Article 164(2) of the Indian Constitution, stipulate that the Council of Ministers at the Union and State levels shall be collectively responsible to the respective Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • Article 75(2) and Article 164(1) state that the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, respectively, shall be appointed by the President and Governor, provided they command the confidence of the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly.
• Parliamentary Principle: Confidence Motion embodies the principles of democratic accountability and parliamentary sovereignty enshrined in the Indian Constitution, ensuring that the government remains accountable to the legislature and the people it represents.
• Initiation: The Confidence Motion can be introduced by any member of the legislative assembly. Typically, it is the opposition party that moves such a motion to challenge the government’s mandate.
  • Example: In 2024, A floor Test was conducted in the Jharkhand Assembly on 5 February.
• Notice Period: The motion must be submitted with a requisite notice period, as specified in the rules of procedure of the respective legislative assembly. 
  • This ensures that members have adequate time to deliberate on the motion before its discussion.
  • Example: In the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Rule 99 mandates a minimum notice period of 14 days for a Confidence Motion.
• Debate and Voting: Upon submission, the motion is debated extensively in the assembly, allowing members to voice their opinions and concerns.  
  • The Chief Minister or Prime Minister, as the case may be, has the opportunity to defend the government’s actions and policies.
  • Example: During the Confidence Motion debate in the Karnataka Assembly in 2019, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy presented his government’s achievements and sought the support of legislators to continue in office.
• Majority Requirement: For the Confidence Motion to succeed, the government must secure a simple majority of votes in its favor. 
  • If the motion is defeated, it indicates a loss of confidence in the ruling dispensation, potentially leading to its resignation or dismissal.
  • Example: In 1999, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government faced a Confidence Motion in the Lok Sabha following the withdrawal of support by a key coalition partner. 

About No Confidence Motion

A no confidence motion is a parliamentary process that allows the opposition to challenge the government’s majority and ability to govern. If the motion is passed, the government must resign. 

• No confidence motion in Lok Sabha: Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a no confidence motion. 
  • However, the motion must be supported by at least 50 members of the House. 
• Procedure of moving no confidence motion: A no confidence motion must be in writing and must be signed by the member moving it. 
  • The motion must be submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on any day on which the House is sitting. 
• Role of Speaker: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha will decide whether to admit the motion for discussion and debate. 
  • If the motion is admitted, the Speaker will then decide on the date and time for the discussion. 
  • The Speaker may grant time for the discussion of the motion (under sub-rule (2) and (3) of rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules. 
• Debate and Discussion: The no confidence motion will be debated in the Lok Sabha. 
• • The motion will be moved by the member who submitted it, and the government will then respond to the motion. 
  • The opposition parties will then have the opportunity to speak on the motion. 
• Voting on No Confidence Motion: After the debate, the Lok Sabha will vote on the no-confidence motion. 
  • The motion will be passed if it is supported by a majority of the members of the House. 
• Result of No confidence motion: If a no-confidence motion is passed, the government must resign, while if the government wins the vote on the no confidence motion, the motion is defeated and the government remains in power.