Motion to Remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Admitted in Parliament
Opposition MPs have moved a resolution for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the Budget Session, alleging partisan conduct. The motion, signed by 118 members, has been admitted, setting the stage for a contentious debate in Parliament. The External Affairs Minister is also scheduled to make a statement on the West Asia conflict.
Key Highlights
- Resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla moved by Opposition in Lok Sabha.
- Motion cites Speaker's 'partisan conduct' and denial of speaking opportunities.
- 118 Opposition members signed the removal resolution.
- Speaker Om Birla re-elected for second term in June 2024.
- Debate expected to be stormy, coinciding with Jaishankar's West Asia statement.
- Historically, motions against Speaker are rare; all previous attempts failed.
The Indian Parliament is currently witnessing a significant political development during its Budget Session, as Opposition members have moved a resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The article from The Hindu, published on March 9, 2026, reports that this motion has been admitted, signaling a potentially stormy session.
The resolution for Om Birla's removal was moved by Congress Members of Parliament (MPs) Mohammad Jawed, K. Suresh, and Mallu Ravi. It has garnered the support of a substantial number of Opposition members, with 118 MPs signing the resolution. The core allegations against Speaker Birla revolve around his 'partisan conduct' in presiding over the House proceedings. Specifically, Opposition leaders claim he has disallowed the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi from speaking on crucial matters, made unwarranted allegations against women MPs, and has been responsible for the suspension of several Opposition legislators. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi initiated the debate, emphasizing that the resolution was brought to 'save the Constitution' and protect the dignity of the House, rather than as a personal attack on Birla.
Under Article 94(c) of the Indian Constitution, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House. The procedure mandates a 14-day notice period, and for the motion to be admitted for discussion, at least 50 members must rise in support in the House. In this instance, over 50 members indeed stood in support, leading to the admission of the motion. A total of ten hours have been allotted for the debate on this resolution. During the debate on a resolution for their removal, the Speaker does not preside over the proceedings. In the absence of a Deputy Speaker, a senior-most MP from the presiding officers' committee, such as BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, may take the chair.
Om Birla was first elected as the 17th Speaker of the Lok Sabha in June 2019 and was re-elected for a second term as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha on June 26, 2024. His tenure has seen a significant increase in the number of suspensions of MPs, primarily from the Opposition, marking the highest levels in two decades. This statistical trend further fuels the Opposition's claims of partisan behaviour. Historically, motions for the removal of a Lok Sabha Speaker are rare events. Only three such motions have been moved in the past: against G.V. Mavalankar in 1954, Hukam Singh in 1966, and Balram Jakhar in 1987. All three previous motions failed, making the current attempt against Om Birla a notable and uncommon parliamentary action.
The Budget Session is expected to be particularly eventful not only due to the motion against the Speaker but also because External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to make a statement in the Lok Sabha on the conflict in West Asia on the same day, March 9, 2026. This statement comes amid criticism from Opposition parties and former diplomats regarding the government's stance on the escalating regional tensions. The combined weight of these critical parliamentary discussions is expected to contribute to a highly charged and "stormy session" of Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary reason cited by the Opposition for moving a motion to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla?
The Opposition alleges 'partisan conduct' by Speaker Om Birla, including disallowing the Leader of Opposition from speaking, making unwarranted allegations against women MPs, and suspending Opposition members.
How many MPs supported the resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla?
The resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was signed by 118 Opposition members, and over 50 MPs stood in support for its admission in the House.
Is it common for a Lok Sabha Speaker to face a motion for removal?
No, it is a rare occurrence. Historically, only three such motions have been moved against Lok Sabha Speakers (G.V. Mavalankar, Hukam Singh, and Balram Jakhar), and all of them failed.
What happens during the debate on a motion to remove the Speaker?
During the debate, the Speaker does not preside over the proceedings. A senior member from the panel of chairpersons typically takes the chair. A minimum of 14 days' notice is required, and at least 50 members must support the motion for it to be admitted for discussion.
What other significant event is coinciding with the debate on Om Birla's removal?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to make a statement in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing conflict in West Asia on the same day, adding to the intensity of the parliamentary session.