Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Floor Test (Composite Floor Test)
Constitutional & Public Law Doctrines
Definition
A constitutional mechanism directed by the Governor or ordered by the Supreme Court to determine whether an incumbent Chief Minister or Prime Minister commands the majority confidence of the elected members on the floor of the Legislative Assembly or Lok Sabha (S.R. Bommai v. Union of India).
Example
Following a split in a ruling coalition, the Governor directs the Chief Minister to prove their majority on the floor of the Assembly within 48 hours rather than resolving claims through subjective headcounts at the Raj Bhavan.