SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

NEWS: A Member of Parliament (MP) has invoked a Substantive Motion in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of the Opposition (LoP)

Substantive Motions

• A self-contained proposal that stands on its own and is drafted to express a clear decision of the House without referring to any other motion.
• Under the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabhaà such a motion can be admitted only with the approval of the Speaker.
• The Speaker has full discretionà 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 a vote.
• Compels the House to directly consider the issue raised and take a position on it.
• Requires notice to be given and can be moved only by the member who has given the notice
• Includes no-confidence/confidence motions, motions for the removal of high officials, policy-based resolutions, and so on

SIGNIFICANCE

• Substantive motionsà not commonly invoked in routine political disputes.
• Their useà marks an escalation, shifting the contest from rhetoric to procedure.
• If the motion is admitted, the Lok Sabha would be required to formally debate and decide on the matter.