How is a no-confidence motion conducted

New Delhi, July 20: Today the Parliament takes up the first no-confidence motion since 2003. Back in 2003, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government registered an impressive win after a no-confidence motion was brought in.

How is the no-confidence motion conducted. Here is how it is done.

A no-confidence motion is moved against the council of ministers in the Lok Sabha, when it is felt that they are no longer fit to hold positions of responsibility due to political inadequacies or inability to fulfil their obligations.

Under Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, any member can move a no-confidence motion. The written notice of the motion has to be given to the secretary of the House by 10 am on any day of sitting.

The Speaker then reads it out, following which it has to be supported by a minimum of 50 members for it to be accepted. The Speaker then decides on the day for the discussion.

On the day of the motion, the Speaker put the question before the House. The fate of the government is decided either by a voice vote, where the speaker calls out to the members of the House and asks for their consent or through division of votes (dividing the House to decide a matter by majority vote).

If the motion is accepted by a majority, the government has to resign. If not the government remains.