In parliamentary procedure, motions and resolutions are important procedural tools used by members to raise a discussion in the House on a matter of general public interest.
With few exceptions, the process of debate in the House is initiated by a member or Minister by making a motion.
Every matter is determined in the House by means of a question put from the Chair on a motion made by a member and resolved either in the affirmative or negative.
The decision which has thus been elicited turns the motion into a resolution or order of the House.
In other words, by a motion, the House discusses a matter; by a resolution, the House declares its own opinion.
So, let’s explore this article in detail, and know the meaning, procedure, admissibility conditions, and key differences between Motion and Resolution.
What is a Motion in Parliament?
A motion is a formal proposal submitted to the House by a member or a Minister for discussion and decision. In its widest sense, a motion means any proposal placed before the House to obtain its decision.
Every matter in the House is determined through a motion. Once a motion is debated and voted upon, it may either be accepted or rejected. If accepted, it may take the form of a resolution or order of the House.
What are the features of a Motion?
Features of a motion in Parliament are:
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Can be moved by a Minister or a Private Member
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No fixed notice period prescribed
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Does not require a seconder
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Must raise one definite issue
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Must not contain defamatory, argumentative, or irrelevant content
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Selected for discussion by the Business Advisory Committee
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May or may not result in a recorded opinion of the House
How many types of Motion in Parliament?
Motions can be classified under the following categories, namely:—
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Substantive Motions
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Substitute Motions
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Subsidiary Motions
Substantive Motions
A substantive motion is a self-contained, independent proposal submitted for the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to be capable of expressing a decision of the House.
e.g. all resolutions are substantive Motions.
Substitute Motions
Motions were moved in substitution of the original motion for taking into consideration a policy, situation, statement, or any other matter are called substitute motions.
Subsidiary Motions
They depend upon or relate to other motions or follow upon some proceedings in the House. They by themselves have no meaning and are not capable of stating the decision of the House without reference to the original motion or proceedings of the House.
Also Read: What is No-Confidence Motion?
What is a Resolution in Parliament?
A resolution is a formal expression of the opinion, will, or decision of the House on a particular matter of public interest.
While a motion initiates discussion, a resolution represents the final opinion or decision of the House.
Other Ministers or Private Members can also move resolutions, but for the private members, they all have to follow a structured procedure for the resolution in parliament, including a ballot, and a fixed time for discussion.
What are the features of a Resolution?
Key Features of a Resolution in Parliament are:
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Expresses the official opinion or decision of the House
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Must be clearly and precisely expressed
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Private Members’ Resolutions are discussed on alternate Fridays
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Maximum time limit: Two hours
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Subject to a ballot (in case of private members)
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Can lapse at the end of the session if not concluded
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Cannot be repeated within one year on substantially the same matter
Once passed, an approved resolution is forwarded to the concerned Minister.
Difference Between Motion and Resolution in Parliament
| Basis of Difference | Motion | Resolution |
| Meaning | A proposal was placed before the House for discussion and decision | A formal expression of the opinion or decision of the House |
| Purpose | To initiate a debate on a matter | To declare the House’s view or decision |
| Outcome | May or may not result in a decision | Results in a decision or opinion |
| Notice Period | No fixed notice period prescribed | Notice required (especially for private members) |
| Ballot System | Not generally subject to ballot | Private Members’ Resolutions are subject to a ballot |
| Time Allocation | Determined by the Business Advisory Committee | Maximum two hours (for private members) |
| Repetition Rule | No specific one-year restriction mentioned | Cannot be moved again within one year on the same matter |
| Lapsing | General motions may be talked out without a decision | May lapse at the end of the session if the discussion is incomplete |
| Expression | Used to discuss issues | Used to formally record the House’s will |
Source: RAJYA SABHA (PRACTICE & PROCEDURE SERIES)
Conclusion
In the parliament session, the motion and resolutions are both essential parliamentary tools that ensure a structured debate and democratic decision-making process.
For any important discussion, motion played an important role, while resolution reflects the final opinion of the house.
Understanding their procedural differences helps in understanding how our legislative bodies deliberate, decide, and formlly recorsd of the will.
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