The move comes after opposition parties initiated proceedings to remove Birla from office, accusing him of conducting House business in a “blatantly partisan” manner. A notice for his removal under Article 94(c) of the Constitution was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh by Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi, chief whip K Suresh and whip Mohamed Jawed, on behalf of several opposition parties including the Congress, DMK and Samajwadi Party.
Secretariat officials said the no-confidence motion against the Speaker is likely to be taken up on March 9, when Parliament reconvenes after the recess to consider budgetary proposals. Until then, proceedings will continue to be conducted by a panel of chairpersons.
The Opposition has also accused Birla of making false claims against Congress members, particularly in connection with his remarks about “unexpected action” in the House and his request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to attend the Lok Sabha to reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
Opposition leaders said the notice was signed by at least 118 MPs from parties including the Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, Left parties and the RJD. Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) have extended support but their MPs did not sign the notice. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is not a signatory, while Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has also not signed the notice, sources said.
Article 96 of the Constitution bars the Speaker from presiding over the House while a resolution for his removal is under consideration, though it allows him an opportunity to defend himself and vote on the motion, except in the case of a tie.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha functioned smoothly on February 9 after a week of disruptions, with discussions on the General Budget conducted by the panel of chairpersons.
The BJP criticised the Opposition’s move, with party spokesperson Sambit Patra accusing them of undermining constitutional institutions.
Three former Lok Sabha Speakers — GV Mavlankar, Hukam Singh and Balram Jakhar — had faced similar motions in the past, all of which were defeated.
