Floor Test and its Procedure A floor test (trust vote) is a constitutional mechanism to determine whether the Council of Ministers enjoys the confidence of the Legislative Assembly. It is required when there is doubt over majority due to coalition instability, withdrawal of support, defection, or competing claims to form government. The Chief Minister moves a motion of confidence and must prove majority support among members present and voting, absentees are excluded. Voting may take place through voice vote, division vote (electronic/slip-based), or ballot vote depending on Assembly procedure. A composite floor test is conducted in a hung assembly when multiple groups claim majority and no clear government exists. If the Chief Minister wins, the government continues, if the CM loses, resignation of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers follows. If no stable majority emerges, alternative government formation or President’s Rule under Article 356 may follow. Governor’s Role in Floor Test and Government Formation The Governor appoints the Chief Minister under Article 164(1) and plays a key role in government formation in hung assemblies. Under Article 163, the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers except in constitutionally permitted discretionary situations. In case of a hung assembly, the Governor exercises situational discretion to invite a leader who is most likely to command majority support. The Governor may call for or direct a floor test when there is objective material indicating doubt over the majority of the government. The Governor cannot act on internal party disputes and must ensure that majority is tested only on the floor of the House. Speaker’s Role in Floor Test When the House is in session, the Speaker is the presiding authority responsible for conducting and regulating the floor test. The Speaker ensures orderly conduct of proceedings and decides the…
