Lok Sabha rejects no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla

The Lok Sabha rejected a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla by a voice vote after nearly 13 hours of debate in the House.

During the discussion, Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, highlighted the procedural powers of the Speaker under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. He noted that:

• Rule 374 empowers the Speaker to warn, name, expel, or suspend members in cases of disorder or indiscipline.
• Rule 375 provides that proceedings may be adjourned in situations of serious disorder.
• Rule 380 authorizes the Speaker to expunge unparliamentary words or remarks from the official proceedings.

Constitutional Provisions

The removal of the Speaker is governed by Article 94 of the Constitution of India, which states that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, after a mandatory 14-day notice.

Additionally, Article 96 of the Constitution of India bars the Speaker or Deputy Speaker from presiding over the House while a resolution for their removal is under consideration. However, the Speaker has the right to defend himself during the debate and can also vote on the resolution.

Procedure to Move the Motion

• A minimum of two Lok Sabha members must sign the notice for moving the resolution.
• Any number of members may support it, but two signatures are mandatory.
• The motion is passed if it receives a simple majority of the House.

Historical Context

Only a few Lok Sabha Speakers have faced such motions in the past, all of which were defeated:

• G. V. Mavalankar (1954)
• Hukam Singh (1966)
• Balram Jakhar (1987)
• Om Birla (2026)

Sources: PIB & The Hindu