Any member of the Parliament may move the adjournment motion for discussion on an important and urgent issue. A full debate is allowed on the issue if the Speaker in Lok Sabha or Chairman of Rajya Sabha admits it.

Adjournment Motion is an important instrument to bring the house focus on an important and urgent issue. In this article, we will discuss what is Adjournment motion is in detail and see instances when it was introduced in the Parliament.

What is an Adjournment Motion?

• The Adjournment motion is introduced for discussing an important and urgent issue.
• It needs the support of at least 50 members to be introduced.
• It can only be introduced in Loksabha and not Rajya Sabha.
• Once the motion is passed the normal business of the house gets interrupted and a full-length debate can take place.
• It involves an element of censure against the government if approved.

Criteria for Adjournment Motion

Some necessary criteria for the Adjournment motion to be introduced:

• The discussion on the Adjournment motion must at least two hours and thirty minutes as a minimum.
• It should not cover more than one topic.
• It should be restricted to one issue which had a recent occurrence.
• It should not be a topic that is already discussed or under discussion, in the same session.
• It should not involve the matter of privileges.
• It should not contain topics that are under adjudication by the court.
• It should not be a matter that can be raised under a distinct motion.

Instances

In the winter session of Parliament in 2021, Congress MP Manickam Tagore gave an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the killing of farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri and has sought the dismissal of Minister of State for Home Ajay Misra Teni.

Conclusion

The Adjournment is an important device in the parliamentary procedure because If the Adjournment motion is approved, the House will adjourn from its regular business to discuss the motion's subject. The motion would be limited to a specific recent incident involving the Government of India's responsibilities.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the minimum number of members required for introducing an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha?

A) 50
B) 100
C) 150
D) 200

2. Which of the following statements about the adjournment motion is incorrect?

A) It is used to discuss an urgent public issue.
B) It requires a simple majority to be passed.
C) It cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
D) It suspends the regular business of the House.

3. In which of the following cases can the adjournment motion be used?

A) To discuss matters of privilege
B) To discuss an issue under judicial review
C) To discuss a recent issue of public importance
D) To postpone the proceedings of the House

4. What is the maximum duration for the debate on an adjournment motion?

A) One hour
B) Two hours
C) Two hours and thirty minutes
D) Four hours

5. Which of the following is a limitation of the adjournment motion?

A) It can cover multiple topics
B) It requires no support from members
C) It cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha
D) It cannot involve urgent public issues

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the role of the adjournment motion in the Indian Parliament. How does it enhance the parliamentary process?

Answer: The adjournment motion plays a vital role in enhancing the parliamentary process by allowing Members of Parliament to bring urgent issues to the House’s immediate attention. It ensures that pressing matters, particularly those involving government actions, are debated in the House, even if they disrupt the regular legislative proceedings. While the motion can involve censure against the government, it also ensures transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance, fostering a healthy democratic process.

Q2: Discuss the procedural aspects and significance of the adjournment motion in Indian parliamentary democracy.

Answer: The adjournment motion is a significant tool in the parliamentary procedure, allowing MPs to discuss urgent issues that require immediate attention. It is introduced in the Lok Sabha and requires support from at least 50 members. Once introduced, the regular business of the House is suspended for a debate. The motion typically involves censure against the government, thus ensuring its accountability. The motion reflects the importance of maintaining the balance between legislative efficiency and addressing urgent issues that affect the public.

Q3: How does the adjournment motion contribute to the checks and balances in India’s democratic system?

Answer: The adjournment motion contributes to the system of checks and balances by enabling Parliament to hold the government accountable. It serves as a mechanism for raising important issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. By suspending regular business to discuss an urgent matter, it allows MPs to criticize and question government actions directly, ensuring that the government remains transparent and responsive to the needs of the public.

Previous Year Questions on Adjournment Motion

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following parliamentary motions allows for a full debate on an issue of urgent public importance?

A) Adjournment Motion
B) Motion of Thanks
C) Calling Attention Motion
D) No-Confidence Motion

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The adjournment motion allows for a full debate on an issue that is of urgent public importance, temporarily suspending the regular business of the House.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "How does the adjournment motion help in maintaining parliamentary accountability in India?"

Answer: The adjournment motion helps maintain parliamentary accountability by allowing MPs to raise urgent matters of public concern. It ensures that the government is answerable to Parliament and that pressing issues do not get sidelined. The motion can lead to censure of the government, contributing to a more responsive and transparent democratic process.