News- The Opposition on February 10 moved a no-confidence motion seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker, which will be examined and processed as per rules.
About Removal of Lok Sabha speaker
Constitutional Provisions: Article 94 of the Constitution provides for vacation, resignation, and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of the People.
- Vacation: Under Article 94(a), the Speaker or Deputy Speaker vacates office if they cease to be a member of the House.
- Resignation: Under Article 94(b), they may resign by writing under their hand.
- Removal: Under Article 94(c), they may be removed by a resolution of the House passed by a majority of all the then members.
The procedure is governed by Rules 200 to 203 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
Procedure for Removal
- Notice Requirement:
- A written notice must be submitted to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha.
- The notice may be given jointly by two or more members.
- At least 14 days’ notice is mandatory before the resolution can be moved.
- Listing of Motion: After the notice period, the motion for leave to move the resolution is listed for a day fixed by the presiding authority.
- Support Threshold: When the motion is taken up, at least 50 members must rise in their places to support it.
- Discussion Timeline
- If the required support is met, the motion is admitted and must be taken up within 10 days.
- The discussion is strictly confined to the specific charges mentioned in the resolution.
- Voting Condition: Removal requires a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.
Rights During Removal Proceedings
- The Speaker has the right to speak and take part in proceedings.
- They may vote in the first instance but cannot exercise a casting vote in case of equality.
- Even after dissolution, the Speaker continues in office until the first meeting of the new House.
Historical Context
- No-confidence motions against the Speaker were moved against Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar (1954), Hukam Singh (1966), and Balram Jakhar (1987).
- In all three cases, the motions failed and none were removed from office.
