Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Steps Aside Amid No-Confidence Motion

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Steps Aside Amidst No-Confidence Motion

New Delhi – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has decided not to preside over proceedings of the Lower House until a decision is reached regarding the notice of motion for his removal, submitted by opposition parties. The decision comes hours after opposition parties jointly submitted a no-confidence notice against the Speaker.

Sources close to Birla indicated that he is stepping aside on moral grounds until the matter is resolved. The no-confidence notice was signed by approximately 120 members of Parliament from parties including the Congress, DMK, and SP, and was submitted to the Secretary General.

The move follows protests from opposition leaders over Birla’s conduct during the ongoing Budget session, specifically regarding the opportunity to address the House. Opposition parties allege that Birla did not allow Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, and that he ordered the suspension of eight opposition MPs.

According to reports, the opposition’s notice cites several instances of what they describe as partisan conduct. These include the alleged denial of speaking opportunities to Rahul Gandhi and the suspension of eight MPs. The opposition also flagged concerns regarding remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, which they deemed “objectionable and personalized attacks” against former Prime Ministers.

The opposition’s complaint also references Birla’s own statement where he revealed he had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to attend the House to prevent potential disruption, after receiving information that some Congress MPs might approach the Prime Minister’s seat and engage in “an unprecedented incident.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore stated on social media that the opposition was compelled to take this step under “extraordinary circumstances.”

Under the rules governing the Lok Sabha, a resolution for the removal of the Speaker can be passed by a majority of all members of the House. Article 94(1) of the Constitution allows for the removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker through a procedure outlined in the rules. Article 94 provides for provisions regarding leave of absence, resignation, and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. However, the rules surrounding such proceedings are stringent.

While the Constitution and rules do not *compel* the Speaker to recuse himself, sources indicate Birla has chosen to do so voluntarily. Even if attempts are made by the government or opposition to persuade him to reconsider, he is expected to remain absent from the proceedings until the no-confidence motion is addressed.

There is a possibility that the motion to remove the Speaker may be taken up for discussion on the first day of the second part of the Budget Session, scheduled to begin on March 9th. For this to occur, at least fifty MPs would need to indicate their support by raising their hands. Following this, the Chair may allow a debate on the motion.

During such proceedings, the Speaker retains the right to participate in the debate and defend against the charges leveled against them. While the motion is under consideration, the Speaker is required to vacate the Chair but may remain present on the floor of the Lok Sabha.