FLOOR TEST

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Context

• A floor test was held in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the vote, proving the Bihar MLAs’ faith in his newly formed government.

Floor Test

• A floor test, also known as a 'trust vote,' is a crucial procedure conducted in legislative bodies to determine whether the ruling government still holds the confidence of the House.
• It serves as a mechanism to ascertain whether a government, suspected of losing its majority, still retains the support of the majority of legislators.

Authority to Call for a Floor Test

• During a legislative session, the Speaker possesses the authority to initiate a floor test.
• In situations where the Assembly is not in session, the Governor is empowered by Article 163 to call for a floor test.

Legal Precedent

• The Supreme Court, in the case of Shivraj Singh Chouhan & Ors versus Speaker, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly & Ors (2020), affirmed the Speaker's authority to call for a floor test when there is a prima facie indication of the government losing its majority.

Procedure During a Floor Test

• When the legitimacy of the ruling government's majority is questioned, the leader of the party claiming majority support must move a vote of confidence.
• The Chief Minister initiates a motion seeking a vote of confidence, where present MLAs cast their votes.
• If the majority of members vote in favor, the government retains power; otherwise, the Chief Minister must resign.
• Various methods, including voice voting, electronic voting, and physical division of votes, are utilized to conduct the voting process.

Special Circumstances and Composite Floor Test

• In cases of internal discord within a coalition government, the Governor may demand the Chief Minister to demonstrate majority support.
• A Composite Floor Test is conducted when multiple contenders stake claim to form the government. It is held during a special session to determine the majority based on those present and voting, utilizing methods such as voice voting or division voting.
• In the event of a tie, the Speaker may exercise a casting vote to break the deadlock.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the authority responsible for initiating a "floor test" during a legislative session? a) The Prime Minister b) The President c) The Speaker d) The Chief Justice Correct Answer: c) The Speaker