In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is

Answer: (a) to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance.

An adjournment motion is a Lok Sabha device. It sets aside the House's normal business so that members can discuss one definite matter of urgent public importance, with the Speaker's consent. That is exactly option (a).

• ✓ (a) Rule 56 of the Lok Sabha rules provides for a motion to adjourn the business of the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance. Such a motion can be moved with the Speaker's consent. If admitted, normal business is set aside for that discussion.
• ✗ (b) Collecting information from ministers is the job of Question Hour and similar tools. An adjournment motion is meant to take the Government to task for a recent act of omission or commission with serious consequences. Its adoption is regarded as a sort of censure of the Government.
• ✗ (c) Reducing amounts in demands for grants is done through cut motions during the Budget process. Cut motions are a separate device and have nothing to do with adjournment motions.
• ✗ (d) Disorderly conduct is handled through the Speaker's disciplinary powers under the rules, for example naming and suspending a member. An adjournment motion is not meant for this.

Remember · Adjournment motion (Rule 56, Lok Sabha only): moved with the Speaker's consent, it sets aside normal business to discuss one definite, urgent, recent matter of public importance. Its adoption amounts to censure of the Government.

Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2012, General Studies Paper I. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). · Report an error