Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker

Why in News?

Recently, the Opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla over alleged procedural and partisan conduct during the Budget Session.

Speaker of the Lok Sabha 

• Speaker – Om Birla was first elected Lok Sabha Speaker in 2019 (17th Lok Sabha).
• Later, he was re-elected in 2024 (18th Lok Sabha), becoming the first Speaker in 20 years to be re-elected.
• Election – Elected by the Lok Sabha from among its members; date fixed by the President.
• Holds office for the life of the Lok Sabha and continues even after dissolution till the new House meets.
• Key Roles and Responsibilities – Maintaining Order – Ensuring decorum and preventing disorderly conduct.
• Procedural Compliance – Final interpreters of the Constitution and rules of procedure within Lok Sabha.
• Money Bills – The Speaker has the final authority to decide if a bill is a Money Bill.
• Anti-Defection Law – Deciding on disqualification matters under the Tenth Schedule.
• Casting Vote – Voting only in the case of a tie.

Removal of Speaker

• Constitutional Provision – Article 94(c) – It allows the Speaker to be removed by a resolution of the House.
  • The resolution must pass by a majority of all members of the Lok Sabha (effective majority).
• Article 94(a) – Vacates office if ceases to be a Member of Parliament (MP).
• Article 94(b) – Can resign by writing to the Deputy Speaker.
• Lok Sabha Rules – Governed by Rules 200–203 of Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure.
• Procedure for Removal of Speaker – Notice – Written notice to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha.
• Notice Period – At least 14 days before moving resolution.
• Listing – Motion listed in Business after 14 days.
• Quorum for Admission – At least 50 MPs must stand up in support.
• Discussion Timeline – Resolution taken up within 10 days of admission.
• Voting – Requires an effective majority of the total membership of the Lok Sabha.
• Speaker’s Position During Removal Motion – Any motion submitted without the mandatory 14-day notice is not taken up for consideration.
• For admission, at least 50 MPs must rise in support; if not, the presiding officer denies leave and the motion lapses.
• The Speaker continues in office until the removal resolution is formally passed.
• The Speaker can participate and speak in the proceedings.
• The Speaker can vote only in the first instance, but not in the case of a tie.
• Historical Precedents – No Speaker of the Lok Sabha has ever been successfully removed from office so far through a no-confidence or removal motion.
• Removal motions against Lok Sabha Speakers were initiated in
  • 1954 – G.V. Mavalankar (first Speaker).
  • 1966 – Hukam Singh.
  • 1987 – Balram Jakhar.

Reference

IE | Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker