What is a Substantive Motion?

A Member of Parliament has submitted notice of a “substantive motion” in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of Opposition, bringing focus back to the procedural device that enables the House to take a formal decision on significant matters.

What is a Substantive Motion?

• It is a formal proposal submitted for the approval of the House.
• It is drafted in a manner capable of expressing a decision or opinion of the House.
• All resolutions are substantive motions.
• If admitted by the Speaker, it involves:
  • Debate in the House
  • A compulsory vote

Only the member who has given notice can move the motion.
Exception: If the motion stands in the name of a Minister, another Minister may move it on their behalf (with explicit mention).

Constitutional Basis

The power of the Lok Sabha to expel members flows from:

• Article 105 of the Constitution of India (powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament), read with
• Parliamentary rules and established conventions.

Under this authority, the House may expel members for:

• Serious misconduct
• Corruption
• Actions damaging the dignity of Parliament

Historical Precedents

1. 2005 Cash-for-Questions Case

• Involved MPs taking money to ask specific questions in Parliament.
• After a parliamentary probe, 10 Lok Sabha members were expelled through a substantive motion.

2. Expulsion of Mahua Moitra (2023)

• The Lok Sabha expelled her following a report of the Parliamentary Ethics Committee in a cash-for-query controversy.
• The expulsion was carried out through a House vote on a substantive motion.

Other Examples of Substantive Motions

Major constitutional and political motions are substantive in nature, such as:

• Removal of a Judge
• Impeachment of the President
• No-Confidence Motion

These are independent proposals seeking a binding decision of the House.