Motions

A motion is a topic or subject proposed as a basis of dis­cussion. Since a member at a meeting formally introduces or moves a subject for discussion it is called a motion. With the permission of the chairman a motion is moved by an individual. He ‘secures the floor’, addresses the chairman and makes a short speech in support of the motion.

Immediately after that another member stands up and ‘seconds’ it. A motion when seconded is called a proposal and it is before the meeting. If no one seconds a motion, it ‘falls to the ground’ and no discussion takes place on it. A formal motion like ‘point of order’ or a motion by the chairman does not require seconding.

Consequences of a Motion:

Once a motion is moved and seconded the following events will happen:

(1) Discussion on the topic will start- The members or the participants, intending to speak (a proxy cannot speak) on it either in favour or against, will take permission of the chairman or speak.

(2) Amendments or alterations may be suggested by some others. Amendment of an amendment may be suggested.

(3) After a discussion for a long time, the chairman may order or the members may ask for closure.

(4) Voting on the proposal shall take place. If any amend­ment is suggested then the amendment shall be put to vote first. If the amendment is passed then the original motion as altered shall be put to vote. If the amendment is lost then the original motion shall be put to vote. The motion, with or without amendment, if passed, then there is a resolution.

(5) A motion, which is before the meeting, may be withdrawn by the proposer before it has been voted upon provided the secondary also agrees it to withdraw it.

(6) Once a motion passed into a resolution may be recon­sidered if a large number of participants want to reconsider it after their second thought and the chairman permits.

Rules Regarding Motion:

(1) Only one ‘motion can be moved at a time.

(2) A motion should preferably be placed in writing, signed by the mover.

(3) The wording must be properly made so that it can be converted into a resolution in proper form. Generally, the help of the secretary is sought in this respect as he is an expert in this line.

(4) Usually, the language of a motion is ‘affirmative’ i.e., an intention to do something. Some formal motions may be ‘negative’.

(5) The language shall be clear and unambiguous (no double meaning).

(6) It shall be within the powers of the body that is holding the meeting.

(7) It shall be within the scope of the notice.

Types of Motions:

Motions are of different types.

The classifica­tion is on the basis of importance and procedure of moving. They are:

(1) Primary Motion:

It means a motion related to some important function of the organisation. For example, a motion on the section of an individual as director of a company. It is also known as the original motion.

(2) Secondary Motion:

It means a motion related to some amendment of a motion. Sometimes some words are added as adden­dum to a primary motion or a rider is added as a further action.

(3) Substantive Motion:

When a proposed amendment to a motion is voted upon and passed, then the original motion has to be altered before it is put to vote. A motion, when amended, is called a substantive motion.

(4) Formal Motions:

Discussions at a meeting may be interrup­ted by raising various kinds of formal or dilatory motions.

The purposes for such motions are:

(1) To raise any objection against somebody’s speech.

(2) To hasten the decision by shortening discus­sion.

(3) To kill time so that decision is delayed.

Different kinds of formal motions are discussed below:

(A) Point of Order:

It is a motion meant for expressing objection or complaint by a member against the speech made by; another. A member cannot raise a ‘point of order’ because he dis­agrees with the speaker or chairman ordinarily.

But he can raise it on any one of the following justified reasons:

(i) Incorrect proce­dure of meeting is followed. The point of order is raised against the conduct of the chairman. For example, the chairman allows an item not mentioned in the agenda, to be raised by a member.

(ii) Irrelevant things are said by any member unnecessarily and thereby wasting time.

(iii) If a member uses some unparliamentarily language, i.e. words which are not allowed to be used inside Parliament and hence not to be allowed inside any other meeting place.

(iv) If any rule regarding meetings as given in the bye-laws of the association is transgressed or violated.

(v) When a speaker makes some remarks against any member which are defamatory or malicious or insulting.

(vi) When a member draws the attention of the chairman that quorum has fallen due to early leaving of some member or members.

Any member may raise a point of order by drawing the attention of the chairman and ask for his ruling. Such a formal motion does not require seconding. The chairman may approve or disapprove the point of order and accordingly give his ruling. He either says ‘Yes, it is out of order’ or ‘No, it is in order’.

Sometimes unnecessarily ‘points of order’ are raised by a member or a group of members to interrupt the debate and to kill the time so that the proposal under discussion is not put to vote as he or they fears or fear that the resolution, which is sure to be passed will go against his or their interest.

Sometimes a chairman, being biased, consistently disapproves justified points of order. In that case members in a large majority may raise a ‘No confidence’ move against the chairman.

(B) Closures:

There are certain types of motions called closures which are moved for the purpose of stopping discussion. A motion for closure needs seconding. A closure is also known as a ‘gag’. The chairman himself may apply closure to stop a debate but generally he hesitates to take such move because the members may think that he is biased. And he is trying to impose the will of the majority group on the minority group among the members. It is desirable that mem­bers themselves put an end to discussions.