Removal of Speaker
Procedure for Removal of Speaker
- The post of Speaker is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the Lok Sabha.
- Rules 200–203 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and Article 94-96 deal with the procedure to initiate the removal of the Speaker.
- A resolution for removal of Lok Sabha Speaker can only be moved after giving at least 14 days notice.
- The notice must be signed by at least one member and given in writing to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha.
- In order for the motion to be admitted for discussion, at least 50 members must rise in support of it in the House.
- For the removal to be successful, the resolution must be passed by an “effective majority.”
- Effective majority means the majority of all the then members of the House (total strength minus vacancies).
- As per Article 96, the Speaker cannot preside over the House while a resolution for their removal is under consideration.
- In such a scenario, the Deputy Speaker typically presides over the business of the Lok Sabha.
- The Speaker has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings. They can vote in the first instance (as an ordinary member).
- Though there are past instances of resolutions seeking the removal of Speaker (in 1954, against G. V. Mavalankar; in 1966, against Hukam Singh; and in 1987, against Balram Jakhar), no Lok Sabha Speaker has so far been removed using this process.
Why in News?
- The Lok Sabha took up a discussion on the resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla.