In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an Adjournment Motion is:

1. to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance
2. to let opposition members, collect information from the ministers
3. to allow a reduction of specific amount in demand for grant
4. to postpone the proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behaviour on the part of some members

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• An Adjournment Motion is a parliamentary device used in the Lok Sabha to draw the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance. For the motion to be admitted, it must be supported by at least 50 members.
• Since it interrupts the normal business of the House, it is considered an extraordinary parliamentary device. The motion also carries an element of censure against the government, which is why it is not permitted in the Rajya Sabha. The discussion on an adjournment motion should last for not less than two hours and thirty minutes.
• The right to move a motion for an adjournment of the business of the House is subject to the following restrictions:
  • It should raise a matter which is definite, factual, urgent and of public importance;
  • It should not cover more than one matter;
  • It should be restricted to a specific matter of recent occurrence and should not be framed in general terms;
  • It should not raise a question of privilege;
  • It should not revive discussion on a matter that has been discussed in the same session;
  • It should not deal with any matter that is under adjudication by court; and
  • It should not raise any question that can be raised on a distinct motion.

Answer: (a) to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance; Difficulty Level: Easy