Zero Hour

Definition

The informal period in a House of Parliament, immediately after the Question Hour, when members raise matters of urgent public importance without prior notice.

Key points

• It begins around noon (hence the name "Zero Hour") and follows the Question Hour.
• It is an Indian innovation that started in the 1960s; it is not mentioned in the rules of procedure or the Constitution.
• Members do not need advance notice and no formal motion or voting takes place.
• It allows quick raising of urgent issues but is criticised for disorder and loss of business time.
• The Presiding Officer (Speaker or Chairman) has discretion to allow or disallow matters.

Why it matters for CAPF

The contrast between the formal, rule-bound Question Hour and the informal Zero Hour is a frequently tested parliamentary-device distinction.

Common confusion

Zero Hour is not in the rule book and has no fixed time limit, unlike the concept question hour which is regulated; Zero Hour follows the Question Hour, not the reverse.

Parent note

parliament