Adjournment Motion

Definition

A motion to adjourn the ordinary business of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, carrying an element of censure of the government.

Key points

• Available only in the Lok Sabha; it is not allowed in the Rajya Sabha.
• It needs the support of at least 50 members to be admitted.
• It involves an element of censure, so the government's prestige is at stake; it is an extraordinary device.
• It can be moved only on a recent matter of urgent public importance involving the responsibility of the government.
• The discussion must last for at least two hours and thirty minutes.

Why it matters for CAPF

The 50-member threshold, the Lok-Sabha-only feature, and the censure element distinguish it from other motions in objective polity questions.

Common confusion

The adjournment motion (censure, Lok Sabha only, 50 members) differs from a concept no confidence motion (tests the government's majority) and from a calling-attention motion (no censure). The Rajya Sabha cannot move it.

Parent note

parliament