Privileged motion

A privileged motion is a motion in parliamentary procedure that is granted precedence over ordinary business because it concerns matters of great importance or urgency. Such motions are not debatable, although in case of questions of privilege, the chair may feel the need to elicit relevant facts from members.

Explanation

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR)

According to Robert's Rules of Order^[1], the privileged motions are, in order of precedence:^[2]

1. Fix the time to which to adjourn, if another question is pending.
2. Adjourn, but not if qualified or if adjournment would dissolve the assembly.
3. Take a recess, if another question is pending.
4. Raise a question of privilege
5. Call for orders of the day

The Standard Code (TSC)

The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure^[3] omits motion number 1 listed above, instead providing that the motion to adjourn may be amended with regard to the time to which to adjourn; and also omits motion number 5, on the grounds that any member may raise a point of order if the scheduled order of business is not being followed.

Legislative Use

Privileged motions in the Indian Parliament

A member of Indian legislatures—either the federal Parliament of India or the Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad in the states and territories—may raise a question involving a breach of privilege either of a member or of the Council or of a Committee with the consent of the Chairman.

References