Ayes-Nays: How trust votes are conducted

The demand by the BJP to go in for a secret ballot in the crucial trust vote in the Karnataka assembly was rejected by the Supreme Court. The trust vote in Karnataka will not be a smooth one and is bound to be marred by controversy.

Recently there was a controversy in the Maharashtra assembly when the Devendra Fadnavis government won the trust vote by voice vote. What forms or trust votes can take place? Here is the procedure.

What forms of trust votes can take place:

A voice vote is a routine. Then a division of votes is called for which leads to a show of hands. There could also be a hand count or a vote by slips or electronic voting if the same is available. In a voice vote those in support of the motion say 'ayes' (yes) and those against it say 'nay (no).'

What is division?

A division is when the speaker is asked not to go by the general approval of the house. Instead a clear majority in terms of numerical terms should be established when a division is called for.

When a division becomes necessary?

This is a process followed only in Parliament and not in the state assemblies. This is done when a Constitutional amendment is voted upon.

What recourse is available when a party is unhappy with the process?

They can move the Governor who can call for the House to be reconvened and the process repeated. The Governor can also make suggestions to the Speaker. The aggrieved parties can also approach the courts.