Correct Answer:
Option D —
iii only
The Censure Motion is often confused with the No-Confidence Motion, but they serve different purposes and carry different constitutional consequences.
Analysis of the Statements
Statement i is Incorrect: A Censure Motion can be moved against an individual minister, a group of ministers, or the entire Council of Ministers. It is not restricted to individuals only.
Statement ii is Incorrect: If a Censure Motion is passed in the Lok Sabha, the Council of Ministers does not need to resign. It is merely a formal expression of strong disapproval (censure) by the House regarding specific policies or actions. In contrast, if a No-Confidence Motion is passed, the government must resign immediately.
Statement iii is Correct: Unlike a No-Confidence Motion, which can be moved without stating any specific grounds, a Censure Motion must state the reasons for which it is being moved.
Censure Motion vs. No-Confidence Motion To help you keep these straight for exams, here is a comparison of their key differences: Feature Censure Motion No-Confidence Motion Reason for adoption Must state the specific reasons/grounds. No need to state reasons. Against whom? Individual minister, group, or entire Council. Entire Council of Ministers only. Purpose To censure the government for specific policies/actions. To test the confidence of the House in the government. Consequence Government does not have to resign. Government must resign from office. Why does "Censure" exist? The Censure Motion is a tool for the Opposition to hold the executive accountable for specific failures without necessarily toppling the entire government. It acts as a "warning shot," whereas the No-Confidence Motion is the "nuclear option."
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
