Devices Of Parliamentary Proceedings

The Adjournment Motion is an extraordinary device available to members of the Lok Sabha (it is not used in the Rajya Sabha). Purpose: Its primary objective is to draw the attention of the House to a recent, definite matter of urgent public importance. If admitted, it leads to the interruption of the normal business of the House. Censure Element: Since it interrupts the government’s scheduled business, it is considered a tool of censure against the government. This is why it requires the support of at least 50 members to be admitted. Distinction from Option (d): Option (d) describes the Adjournment of the House, which is a power exercised by the Presiding Officer to suspend a sitting due to lack of quorum or disorder. It is not a "motion" moved by a member. Distinction from Option (c): Option (c) describes a Cut Motion, which is used during the discussion on the Budget.

**Statement 1 is correct:** The Constitution does not mention No-Confidence Motion. Rather, Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Lok Sabha specifies the procedure for moving a no-confidence motion. **Statement 2 is correct:** A no-confidence motion can be moved by any member of the House. It can be moved only in the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha. The member has to give a written notice of the motion before 10 am, which will be read out by the Speaker in the House. A minimum of 50 members have to accept the motion, and accordingly, the Speaker will announce the date for discussion of the motion.

The Parliament of India exercises control over the Council of Ministers through various parliamentary mechanisms, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. These include: * **Adjournment Motion:** This motion is used to discuss a specific and urgent matter of public importance. If admitted, it compels the government to respond and can lead to debate, criticism, or even censure, putting the ruling party in a difficult position. * **Question Hour:** Held at the beginning of a parliamentary sitting, MPs can question ministers on government policies, decisions, and administrative matters. This provides a structured way to scrutinize the executive’s performance. * **Supplementary Questions:** After a minister responds to a question during Question Hour, MPs can ask follow-up questions to seek further clarification or probe deeper into the issue, enhancing ministerial accountability. Hence, the correct answer is option (D) 1, 2 and 3.

* **Statement 1 is incorrect:** The power to ratify a proclamation of Emergency is shared by both Houses. Under the Constitution, any such proclamation must be laid before and approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha within a specified timeframe. * **Statement 2 is correct:** This is an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha. Since the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) under Article 75, the Rajya Sabha cannot pass a No-Confidence Motion. * **Statement 3 is incorrect:** The process of impeachment is a quasi-judicial procedure that can be initiated in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Therefore, it is not an exclusive power of the Lok Sabha.