Censure Motion

A Censure Motion is a formal resolution moved in a legislative assembly or parliament to express disapproval or strong criticism of the policies or conduct of the Council of Ministers or an individual minister. It serves as an important instrument of legislative control over the executive, allowing members to hold the government accountable for its actions, decisions, or policy failures.
While a censure motion indicates a lack of confidence in a particular policy or act, it does not necessarily demand the government’s resignation unless it is followed by a formal no-confidence motion.

Meaning and Nature

The word “censure” means to criticise severely or condemn officially. Thus, a censure motion allows members of the legislature to formally express dissatisfaction or objection to specific acts or policies of the government.
It is a political reprimand rather than a legal sanction. When passed, it symbolically warns the government to reconsider its policies or actions, but it does not automatically lead to its fall.

Constitutional and Parliamentary Basis

• The censure motion is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India.
• It is a parliamentary device, recognised under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha (and similar rules in state legislatures).
• It forms part of the democratic principle of executive accountability to the legislature under the parliamentary system of government.

Purpose of a Censure Motion

The main purposes of moving a censure motion are:

1. To criticise specific policies or actions of the government or a minister.
2. To draw public and parliamentary attention to mismanagement, wrongdoing, or negligence.
3. To compel the government to defend its policy or decision.
4. To test the strength and unity of the ruling party or coalition in the legislature.

Who Can Move a Censure Motion

• Any Member of Parliament (MP) belonging to either the ruling or opposition parties can move a censure motion.
• It requires the support of at least 50 members to be admitted in the Lok Sabha (under Rule 184).
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha decides whether to admit or reject the motion.

Procedure for Moving a Censure Motion

1. Notice:
   • A member gives a written notice to the Speaker specifying the grounds for the motion.
   • The motion must refer to a definite policy, action, or event. Vague or general statements are not allowed.
2. Admission:
   • If the Speaker admits the motion, a date and time are fixed for discussion.
3. Debate:
   • The member moving the motion explains the reasons for censure.
   • The concerned minister or Prime Minister defends the government’s position.
   • Other members may participate in the debate.
4. Voting:
   • After the discussion, the motion is put to vote.
   • If the motion is passed by a majority, it amounts to the House censuring the government or minister.

Effects of a Censure Motion

The consequences of a passed censure motion are political, not constitutional:

1. It expresses loss of moral authority or parliamentary disapproval of the government’s policy.
2. The concerned minister may be expected to resign on moral grounds.
3. If the censure is directed at the entire Council of Ministers and passes with a majority, it can weaken the government’s position, possibly leading to a no-confidence motion.
4. The government, however, does not have to resign automatically unless a no-confidence motion is passed.

Censure Motion vs No-Confidence Motion

Historical Instances in India

• 1952: First censure motion moved against the Nehru government for the handling of the Indo-China border issue.
• 1970s–80s: Several censure motions were moved against governments led by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, mainly by opposition parties.
• 1996–1999: Censure motions were debated against the governments of P.V. Narasimha Rao, H.D. Deve Gowda, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee for specific policy controversies.

Although several censure motions have been introduced, few have ever been passed, as the ruling government usually maintains a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Importance in a Parliamentary Democracy

1. Ensures Accountability: Forces the government to justify its decisions publicly before the legislature.
2. Strengthens Opposition Role: Provides a legitimate mechanism for the opposition to challenge the government’s policies.
3. Public Awareness: Highlights issues of national importance and brings them to public attention.
4. Checks Executive Power: Prevents the government from acting arbitrarily by reminding it of parliamentary oversight.

Censure Motion in State Legislatures

• State legislative assemblies in India also have provisions for censure motions under their respective Rules of Procedure.
• The motion functions in a similar way—allowing members to criticise the conduct or policies of the Council of Ministers or a specific minister in the state government.