NEWS: A Floor Test is a constitutional mechanism used to determine whether the Chief Minister (CM) or government has the majority support in the Legislative Assembly.
It is also called a: Trust Vote
Constitutional Basis of Floor Test
Article 164
· The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor
· However, the CM must enjoy the confidence of the Legislative Assembly.
Article 174 : Deals with the Governor’s powers regarding the State Legislature.
Article 174(1): Governor can: Summon the House , Decide time and place of session
Article 174(2)(a)
· Governor can: Prorogue the House
Article 174(2)(b)
· Governor can: Dissolve the Legislative Assembly
Article 163
· Governor normally acts on: Aid and advice of Council of Ministers
· But can act in: Discretionary situations where Constitution permits
Who Can Call for a Floor Test?
· When Assembly is in Session à Speaker can call for a floor test.
· When Assembly is NOT in Session
o Governor can use discretionary powers under Article 163
o Governor may summon the Assembly for a floor test.
Why is a Floor Test Conducted?
A floor test is held when:
· Government is suspected to have lost majority
· Coalition partners withdraw support
· MLAs resign or defect
· More than one leader claims majority
Composite Floor Test
· A Composite Floor Test is conducted when: More than one person claims majority and seeks to form government
· Purpose àTo determine: Which claimant has majority support in the Assembly.
How it Works
· Governor may call a: Special Assembly session, Voting conducted.
· Person securing majority forms government.
Importance of Floor Test in Democracy
· Ensures Democratic Legitimacyà Government must continuously enjoy majority support.
· Prevents Arbitrary Dismissalà Majority tested transparently inside Assembly.
Upholds Parliamentary Democracyà Legislature decides majority, not Governor alone.