Opposition Moves No-Confidence Motion against Lok Sabha Speaker
- Context: The Lok Sabha took up a resolution moved by the Opposition seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, with both the Treasury and Opposition benches trading sharp accusations over the neutrality of the Chair.
The process for removal of the Speaker
- According to Article 94(c) under the Constitution, the Speaker can be removed only through a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha, not merely those present and voting.
- This high threshold reflects the intent to safeguard the stability and dignity of the office.
- The process begins when a member submits a written notice to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha seeking removal.
- At least 14 days’ notice must be given before the motion can be taken up. Once admitted, the motion requires the support of at least 50 members to proceed for discussion in the House.
- The procedural framework governing this process is laid down in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, specifically Rules 200 to 203.
- The rules mandate that the resolution must clearly state the charges against the Speaker.
- During the debate on such a motion, the Speaker may participate in the proceedings as a member of the House, and while the Speaker can vote on the resolution in the first instance, he/she cannot exercise their vote in case of a tie.
No-confidence motions against the Speaker have been extremely rare in India’s parliamentary history. Only three such attempts have occurred — in 1954, against G. V. Mavalankar; in 1966, against Hukam Singh; and in 1987, against Balram Jakhar. In all three cases, the motions failed.
