In parliamentary practice, when the Speaker of the Lok Sabha asks a member to stop speaking and allows another member to speak, this action is known as what?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Yielding the floor

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Parliamentary procedure uses a number of specialised terms to describe what happens on the floor of the house. Members speak, raise motions, and sometimes yield time to others. Understanding these terms is important for learning how debates are conducted and controlled by the Speaker. This question focuses on the specific expression used when one member stops speaking and allows another to take the floor at the direction or suggestion of the presiding officer.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The scenario describes a member stopping a speech so that another can speak.
  • The Speaker is involved in managing the change of speakers.
  • Several options mention common parliamentary terms such as calling attention motions and points of order.


Concept / Approach:
In parliamentary language, the expression yield the floor means that a member who is currently speaking gives up the right to speak so that someone else may speak. This may happen either voluntarily, when a member willingly allows another to intervene, or under the guidance of the Speaker, who regulates the proceedings. Crossing the floor refers to changing party allegiance or voting against the party line. Calling Attention Motion and Adjournment Motion are specific devices to raise issues. A point of order is raised when a member believes that rules are not being followed.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the key feature in the question is a member stopping a speech so another may speak.Step 2: Recall that in procedural language, this act is described as yielding the floor.Step 3: Compare this with crossing the floor, which relates to voting behaviour rather than speaking time.Step 4: Recognise that calling attention and adjournment motions are formal motions to raise issues and not simple changes in who is speaking.Step 5: Observe that a point of order is about questioning procedure, not voluntarily stopping a speech. Hence, the correct term is yielding the floor.


Verification / Alternative check:
A second way to check is to think about the word floor. In legislative bodies, having the floor means having the right to speak at that moment. Therefore, to yield the floor logically means to give up that right. Most standard books on parliamentary procedure, including those that discuss the practices in the Indian Parliament and other commonwealth legislatures, use this expression in exactly this sense. This supports the choice beyond simple memorisation.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Crossing the floor describes members who change sides or vote against their party and is sometimes used when they physically move to a different side of the house. Calling Attention Motion is a tool allowing members to call the attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance. A point of order is raised to question whether rules and procedures are being followed correctly. Adjournment Motion is used to interrupt normal business to discuss a matter of urgent importance. None of these terms describes a member simply allowing another to speak.



Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse all parliamentary terms with one another because they sound technical and are rarely heard outside the legislature. Another error is to link any action governed by rules to a point of order, although that term has a very narrow meaning. A good strategy is to connect each term with a short story or image, such as imagining a member physically yielding the floor to another when you think of the phrase yielding the floor.



Final Answer:
Yielding the floor

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