Opposition Moves No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

he Opposition on February 10 moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, invoking constitutional provisions that allow for the removal of the Speaker through a formal resolution.

Constitutional Provision

The removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is governed by Article 94(c) of the Constitution of India. The Article provides for the vacation, resignation and removal of these constitutional office-holders.

Under Article 94(c):

• A member of the Lok Sabha must give a written notice of intention to move a resolution for removal to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha.
• The notice must be given at least 14 days in advance.
• The resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (i.e., an absolute majority of the total effective strength).

Procedural Requirements

• The notice must be submitted in writing.
• The motion must be supported by at least two members.
• For the motion to be admitted and taken up, at least 50 members must stand in support, fulfilling the required procedural backing in the House.

The process is considered stringent to ensure stability in the functioning of the presiding office.

Historical Precedents

A motion seeking removal of a Lok Sabha Speaker has been submitted three times in the past:

1. Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar (December 1954) – the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha
2. Hukam Singh (November 1966)
3. Balram Jakhar (April 1987)

In all three instances, the Speakers retained their positions, as the motions did not succeed.