Rule 267 and Adjournment Motion in Indian Parliament

Purpose

• Rajya Sabha (Rule 267): Suspend the day’s listed business to take up an urgent public matter.
• Lok Sabha (Adjournment Motion): Adjourn normal business to discuss a definite, recent matter of urgent public importance that may amount to government censure.

Legal Basis

• Rajya Sabha: Rule 267, Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States.
• Lok Sabha: Rules 56–63, Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha — How Rule 267 Works (Step by Step)

1. Notice: Any member gives a written notice seeking suspension of a rule for that day to take up a specified issue.
2. Screening: Chairman examines urgency, public importance, and other alternatives (short-duration discussion, calling attention, etc.).
3. Consent Stage: Motion allowed only if Chairman agrees.
4. Moving the Motion: Member states the reason and the exact rule to be suspended.
5. Decision of the House: House decides via voice vote or division.
6. Effect if Carried: Rule suspended, listed business set aside, discussion begins.
7. Debate: Time and format set by Chair; no fixed minimum duration.
8. Outcome: No censure vote; objective is discussion by rearranging business.

Lok Sabha — How an Adjournment Motion Runs (Step by Step)

1. Notice: Member submits notice of a definite and recent matter of urgent public importance.
2. Admissibility Check: Speaker examines:
   • Recency and seriousness
   • Specificity (one issue only)
   • Public importance
   • Not sub judice
   • Not covered by another device same day

   Leave of the House requires at least 50 members' support for admission.

3. Admission and Scheduling: Normal business set aside; debate scheduled same day unless Speaker directs otherwise.
4. Debate: Lasts minimum 2 hours 30 minutes; ministers respond.
5. Closure: Motion may be put to vote; adoption is rare but acts as censure if carried.
6. Aftermath: Motion on same subject generally not taken again in that session.

Practical Differences at a Glance

• Gatekeeper: Chairman (RS) vs Speaker (LS)
• Support Threshold: RS—no minimum; LS—50 members required
• Nature: RS—procedural suspension; LS—substantive motion with potential censure
• Debate Time: RS—as directed; LS—minimum 2h 30m
• Consequence: RS—discussion without censure; LS—possible vote with censure effect
• Usage: Both sparingly used; LS more often invoked for accountability

When to Use Which

• Choose Rule 267 (RS) for urgent discussion requiring rearrangement of listed business.
• Choose Adjournment Motion (LS) for urgent debate with potential to hold government politically accountable.