Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Privilege motion
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of various types of motions used in the Indian Parliament. Motions are formal proposals by members to raise discussions, seek action or express views on issues. The specific situation described here involves an allegation that a minister has breached the privilege of the House by withholding facts or providing misleading information. Knowing which motion is used in such a case is an important part of the topic parliamentary procedure.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Parliamentary privileges are special rights and immunities enjoyed by the Houses of Parliament and their members so that they can function effectively. When a member believes that these privileges have been violated, he or she may raise the issue through a privilege motion. This motion is used to draw the attention of the House to a possible breach of privilege or contempt of the House. In contrast, no confidence motions and censure motions primarily deal with the performance or policies of the government and not specifically with parliamentary privilege.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Standard references on parliamentary practice in India describe a privilege motion as a motion that can be moved by a member to raise a question involving a breach of privilege. Examples include cases where incorrect information has been supplied to the House. Consulting such sources confirms that the scenario described in the question aligns with the function of a privilege motion and not with other types of motions.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A no confidence motion is moved to test whether the Council of Ministers continues to enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha; it is not directly about privileges.
A censure motion is used to express strong disapproval of the policies or actions of the government but is not specifically tied to a breach of privilege.
A cut motion is related to the demand for grants in the budget and is an instrument to discuss and reduce particular items of expenditure, not a tool for dealing with privilege issues.
An adjournment motion is used to draw attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance and to interrupt the normal business of the House, again not focused on privileges of the House.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse censure motions and privilege motions because both involve criticism of a minister. However, the key difference is that a privilege motion is linked to breach of parliamentary privileges, such as giving wrong information to the House, while a censure motion is a political expression of dissatisfaction with the government or a minister. Keeping this distinction clear helps ensure the correct choice in exam questions.
Final Answer:
The motion described in the question is called a Privilege motion.
Discussion & Comments