Procedure for Raising Questions in Lok Sabha

October 21, 2023

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has welcomed answering questions from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee regarding ‘cash for query’ allegations against her.

The Initial Process

To ask a question in the Lok Sabha, an MP needs to follow a specific procedure governed by Rules 32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” and Directions 10 to 18 of the “Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha.”

The MP begins by giving notice addressed to the lower house’s Secretary-General, expressing their intention to ask a question. The notice includes the question’s text, the Minister to whom the question is directed, the desired answer date, and the order of preference if the MP submits multiple questions for the same day.

Limitations and Timeframe

Each Member of Parliament is allowed to submit up to five notices of questions, both for oral and written answers, for any given day. Notices exceeding this limit are considered for the subsequent days of the session, according to the government document “Question Hour in Lok Sabha.” Typically, notice periods for questions are not less than 15 days.

MPs can submit notices either through an online ‘Member’s Portal’ or by using printed forms available in the Parliamentary Notice Office.

Speaker’s Review

After the MP submits the question, the Speaker of Lok Sabha reviews the notices to determine whether they adhere to the specified rules. The Speaker decides whether a question, or any part of it, is admissible or not.

Admissibility of Questions

Several rules govern the admissibility of questions. For instance, questions should generally be limited to 150 words, avoid arguments or defamatory statements, and refrain from referring to the character or conduct of any person except in their official or public capacity. Questions that raise broad policy issues are not admissible.

Additionally, questions related to matters under legal consideration by any court, tribunal, or parliamentary committee are inadmissible, as are questions seeking information that could undermine the country’s unity and integrity.

Types of QuestionsThere are four types of questions: starred, unstarred, short-notice questions, and questions addressed to private Members.

Starred questions are asked orally and receive oral responses from the Minister-in-charge.
Unstarred questions receive written replies from the Ministry.
Short notice questions pertain to urgent public matters and can be asked with less than 10 days’ notice.
Questions addressed to private Members involve queries related to bills, resolutions, or House business for which the MP is responsible.

Importance of Raising Questions

Asking questions is a fundamental parliamentary right of MPs, serving as a mechanism for legislative control over executive actions. It enables MPs to acquire information, critique government policies, highlight government shortcomings, and prompt ministers to take meaningful actions for the public good. Additionally, questions allow the government to gauge public reactions to their policies and can lead to the formation of commissions, inquiries, or new legislation.

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