The Lok Sabha is set to witness a rare parliamentary moment next week as a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla comes up for discussion. On Friday, the Congress party said the notice follows established rules and conventions, with opposition MPs citing specific instances of “partisan behaviour” that warrant a formal debate in the House.

The motion, scheduled to be taken up during the second phase of the Budget session on March 9, alleges that Birla acted in a “blatantly partisan” manner while conducting House proceedings and abused the constitutional office he occupies. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that 118 opposition MPs, representing all parties except the Trinamool Congress, signed the notice.

Ramesh defended the move as a healthy democratic practice, noting that opposition parties have historically exercised similar instruments. “There have been previous occasions, for example, in 1954, when the combined opposition strength was hardly 50, and the Congress had 364 MPs in a House of 489. A no-confidence motion was brought against Speaker G V Mavalankar,” he said. Ramesh emphasized that the resolution provides a platform for debate, with the opposition highlighting specific instances of Birla’s alleged partisan conduct.

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Constitutional provisions allow the Speaker to defend himself during such proceedings. Article 96 bars the presiding speaker or deputy speaker from overseeing the House while a resolution for their removal is under consideration. Experts note that Birla will not chair the proceedings when the resolution is taken up but will be seated prominently among the Treasury benches, retaining the right to speak in his defence and vote against the motion.

The resolution stems from actions taken by Birla in the House, including not allowing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders to speak on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, as well as suspending eight opposition MPs. Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi, chief whip K Suresh, and whip Mohammed Javed submitted the notice on behalf of several opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and DMK.

Parliamentary rules stipulate that at least two members must sign a notice for the removal of the Speaker, though more can participate. Historically, three Lok Sabha speakers – G V Mavlankar in 1954, Hukam Singh in 1966, and Balram Jakhar in 1987 – faced no-confidence motions, all of which were negatived. The upcoming debate on Birla’s removal will test both constitutional procedures and the dynamics of opposition consensus in India’s lower house.

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