Removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker

• 14 Feb 2026

Source: IE 

Why in News?  

The Members of Parliament (MPs) submitted a notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The notice, reportedly signed by over 100 MPs, cites "partisan conduct" and the denial of permission to the Leader of Opposition (LoP) to speak as primary reasons. 

• This move has brought the constitutional procedure for the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker into the spotlight.

What is the Procedure for the Removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker? 

• Constitutional Provision:  Article 94 of the Constitution specifies the circumstances in which the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha vacates office.  
  • Under Article 94(a), they automatically cease to hold office if they stop being a member of the Lok Sabha.  
  • Article 94(b) allows them to resign at any time by submitting a written resignation.  
  • Under Article 94(c), they may be removed by a resolution passed by a Majority of all the then members of the House.  
  • This provision applies exclusively to the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha. 
• Procedural Requirements: The specific steps are governed by Rules 200–203 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. 
  • 14-Day Notice: A resolution for removal can only be moved after giving at least 14 days' notice. 
    • The notice must be given in writing to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, signed by at least one member. 
  • Admission of Motion: The motion is entered in the List of Business if it is in order. 
    • The Presiding Officer reads the notice to the House, for the motion to be admitted for discussion, at least 50 members must rise in support of it in the House. 
    • If fewer than 50 members rise, the motion fails to get the "leave of the House" and is dropped. 
  • Strict Guidelines for the Motion: The charges in the resolution must be specific, clearly expressed, and precise. 
    • It must not contain arguments, inferences, ironic expressions, imputations, or defamatory statements.  
    • The discussion is strictly confined to the charges mentioned in the resolution. 
• Passing the Resolution: For the removal to be successful, the resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the House. This is technically known as an Effective Majority. 
• Outcome: If the resolution is passed by the Effective Majority, the Speaker is removed from office immediately. 
  • Notably, the Speaker does not vacate his office upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker continues until immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha.  
  • However, in the case of removal by resolution, the vacation is immediate. 
• Speaker’s Role During Proceedings: The Speaker cannot preside over the House while a resolution for their removal is under consideration (Article 96). 
  • The Speaker has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings. They can vote in the first instance (as an ordinary member) but cannot exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes (tie). 
• Historical Precedents: No-confidence motions against the Speaker have been moved only three times in history: 
  • 1954: Against G.V. Mavalankar (First Speaker). 
  • 1966: Against Hukam Singh. 
  • 1987: Against Balram Jakhar. 
  • Outcome: All three motions failed, and no Speaker has ever been removed from office via this process. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Under which Article can the Lok Sabha Speaker be removed?
Under Article 94(c), the Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

2. What is meant by an “Effective Majority”?
It means a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha, excluding vacant seats, not just those present and voting.

3. What is the notice requirement for moving a removal motion?
A minimum of 14 days’ written notice must be given to the Secretary-General under Rules 200–203.

4. Can the Speaker preside during the removal proceedings?
No. Under Article 96, the Speaker cannot preside but may participate and vote in the first instance.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Q1. Consider the following statements: (2017)  

1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.  
2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

(a) 1 only  
(b) 2 only  
(c) Both 1 and 2  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2  

Ans: (d)  

Q2. Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha speaker, consider the following statements: (2012)  

1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President.  
2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election.  
3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker.  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

(a) 1 and 2 only  
(b) 3 only  
(c) 1, 2 and 3  
(d) None  

Ans: (b)