- Rule 251 of the Rules of Procedure of the Delhi Assembly lays down the procedure for moving a no confidence motion. A motion expressing want of confidence in the Council of Ministers can be made only with the consent of the Speaker and the notice for such a motion should be delivered to the Assembly Secretary latest by 11.00 hours of the day on which he proposes to move the motion.
- In view of the constitutional provision {Article 239AA (6)} regarding the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Legislative Assembly a motion of no confidence can be moved only against the Council of Ministers and not against an individual Minister.
Procedure :
- When the Speaker is satisfied that the matter proposed to be discussed is in order under the rules, he shall read the motion to the House and shall request those members who are in favour of leave being granted to rise in their places. If not less than 1/5th of the total number of members of the House for the time being rise accordingly, the Speaker shall inform that leave is granted. If on the other hand lesser members than required rise the Speaker shall inform that leave is not granted.
- If leave is granted the Speaker may allot a day or days for the discussion of the motion. After the end of the debate, the motion is put to vote by the Speaker, and if the motion is carried the council of Minister has to resign as it has lost the confidence of the House. However, there has been no such instance in the Delhi Assembly. Normally the members supporting the motion are aware that such a motion will fall. However, it is moved with the objective of showcasing the Government’s activities, which is not satisfactory according to the movers. It is an effective forum to discuss the entire functioning of the Government.