Difference between No-confidence Motion and Censure Motion

Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha and it remains in office till it enjoys confidence of majority of the members in Lok Sabha. Thus, a motion of no-confidence is moved to remove the council of ministers and thus oust the government from office. Following are conditions of No-confidence motion:

• No-confidence motion can be moved only in Lok Sabha {or state assembly as the case may be}. It is not allowed in Rajya Sabha {or state legislative council}
• It is moved against the entire Council of Ministers and not individual ministers or private members.
• It needs support of at least 50 members when introduced in Lok Sabha.

Censure Motion

A censure literally means expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism. It can be a stern rebuke by a legislature, generally opposition against the policies of Government or an individual minister. However, it can also be passed to criticize, condemn some act. A censure motion can be moved in Lok Sabha or in a state assembly.

Comparison of No-confidence motion and Censure Motion

• Both censure motion and No-confidence motion can be moved in Lok Sabha or Lower house in states.
• While Censure motion can be moved against individual ministers or members, No-confidence motion is moved against the entire council of ministers.
• There is no impact on government when censure motion is passed, the council of ministers need to resign and government collapses when No-confidence motion is passed.