Rejection of No-Confidence Motion

Key Context

1. Incident: The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, rejected a no-confidence motion filed by the Opposition against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
2. Rationale: The motion was deemed improper and flawed procedurally and substantively.

Read More: What is No-Confidence Motion?

Constitutional Basis

1. Article 67(b): Governs the procedure for the removal of the Vice-President.
   • Requires at least 14 days’ prior notice for any resolution contemplating the Vice-President’s removal.
   • The notice filed on December 10, 2024, could only have allowed a resolution post-December 24, whereas the Winter Session was scheduled to end on December 20.

Read More: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on No-Confidence Motions with Answers

Grounds for Rejection

1. Impropriety:
   • The motion was seen as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Vice-President, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. Technical Flaws:
   • Incorrect spelling of Mr. Dhankhar’s name throughout the notice.
   • Absence of a specific addressee and resolution text.
   • Reliance on disjointed and unauthenticated media reports.
3. Procedural Irregularities:
   • The motion was publicized by the Congress party instead of being addressed properly.
   • Absence of requisite documents and authenticated evidence.
4. Political Undertones:
   • The Deputy Chairman called the move a “calculated unwholesome attempt” to gain publicity and undermine the constitutional institution.

Observations by Deputy Chairman

1. The notice was termed as “casual and cavalier”, lacking due diligence in its drafting and intent.
2. The initiative was labeled as a politically motivated narrative against the Vice-President, who is the first person from an agricultural background to hold this office.

Additional Data

1. Role of Rajya Sabha Chairman:
   • Presides over Rajya Sabha proceedings, ensuring orderly conduct of business.
   • Protects the dignity of the office and the rights of all members.
2. Removal of Vice-President:
   • Requires a resolution passed by an absolute majority of the total membership of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
   • Process reflects the gravity of removing a high constitutional authority.
3. Vice-President’s Significance:
   • Second-highest constitutional office in India.
   • Acts as a key figure in maintaining legislative processes and impartiality.

Implications for Governance

1. Preservation of Constitutional Dignity: The rejection emphasizes the importance of adhering to constitutional propriety and respect for offices.
2. Checks on Political Actions: Demonstrates the need for political accountability in drafting motions against high offices.
3. Precedents in Parliamentary Democracy:
   • Ensures that procedural and substantive correctness is upheld in sensitive matters.
   • Guards against misuse of parliamentary tools for political gains.

Relevance for UPSC

1. Polity and Governance:
   • Questions may focus on the constitutional provisions for removal of high offices (Article 67(b), impeachment processes).
2. Current Affairs:
   • Understanding recent political developments to correlate with constitutional principles.
3. Ethics and Integrity:
   • Examining ethical responsibilities in safeguarding democratic institutions and maintaining decorum in public discourse.

Key Takeaways

1. Upholding constitutional processes is critical for the credibility of parliamentary democracy.
2. High constitutional offices must be respected, and frivolous or politically motivated actions must be avoided to maintain institutional integrity.
3. Technical accuracy, legal propriety, and bona fide intent are essential in legislative motions involving constitutional authorities.