In India the 'No-confidence' motion against the central government :

Question

Accepted Answer

In India, the 'No-confidence' motion against the central government is a significant parliamentary procedure that is crucial for maintaining the accountability of the government to the legislature. Let's explore why Option 2 is the correct answer and why the other options are incorrect.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Correct Answer): Can be presented only in the Lok Sabha.**

The 'No-confidence' motion is a tool used by the members of the Lok Sabha to express their lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers, which is headed by the Prime Minister. According to the Indian Constitution and parliamentary procedures, a 'No-confidence' motion can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. This is because the Council of Ministers holds office during the pleasure of the President, but they are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Therefore, the Lok Sabha, being the directly elected house of the Parliament, has the authority to test the confidence in the government. If the motion is passed by a majority of the members present and voting, the government is obliged to resign.

2. **Explanation for why Option 1 is incorrect: Can be presented either in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.**

This option is incorrect because the 'No-confidence' motion cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha, being the upper house of the Parliament, does not have the power to pass a 'No-confidence' motion against the government. The government is not accountable to the Rajya Sabha in the same manner as it is to the Lok Sabha. Therefore, the motion can only be presented in the Lok Sabha.

3. **Explanation for why Option 3 is incorrect: Can be presented only in the Rajya Sabha.**

This option is incorrect because, as mentioned earlier, the 'No-confidence' motion is not applicable in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha does not have the constitutional authority to initiate or pass a 'No-confidence' motion against the government. The accountability of the government is to the Lok Sabha, making it the sole house where such a motion can be introduced.

4. **Explanation for why Option 4 is incorrect: Can be presented by the largest party of the opposition in Lok Sabha.**

This option is incorrect because the 'No-confidence' motion can be moved by any member of the Lok Sabha, not just by the largest party of the opposition. While it is often the case that the opposition parties, particularly the largest among them, may choose to move such a motion, there is no constitutional or procedural requirement that restricts the initiation of a 'No-confidence' motion to the largest opposition party. Any member of the Lok Sabha can introduce the motion, provided it has the support of at least 50 members to be admitted for discussion.

In conclusion, Option 2 is the correct answer because the 'No-confidence' motion can only be presented in the Lok Sabha, reflecting the government's accountability to this house. The other options are incorrect due to the specific constitutional and procedural roles of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the Indian parliamentary system.