Opposition MPs Seek Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker: Key Developments
Opposition moves to remove Speaker, citing partisan conduct; House allows budget discussion.
Photo by shalender kumar
Opposition parties in the INDIA alliance submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, alleging partisan conduct. The notice, signed by nearly 120 MPs, cites instances such as not allowing Rahul Gandhi to complete his speech and the suspension of MPs. The Trinamool Congress did not sign the notice, preferring a more restrained approach.
Following the submission, the House proceeded with the discussion on the Budget. Speaker Birla has directed the notice to be examined. The BJP has criticized the opposition's move.
The Constitution allows for the removal of the Speaker through a resolution passed by a simple majority.
Key Facts
Opposition parties in the INDIA alliance submitted a notice seeking removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The notice was signed by nearly 120 MPs.
The notice cites instances such as not allowing Rahul Gandhi to complete his speech and the suspension of MPs.
The Trinamool Congress did not sign the notice, preferring a more restrained approach.
Speaker Birla has directed the Secretary-General to examine and process the notice.
At least two Lok Sabha members have to sign the notice to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker.
A minimum of 14 days’ notice has to be given before the resolution can be taken up by the House.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Parliament and State Legislatures
Connects to syllabus topics like parliamentary procedures, constitutional bodies, and separation of powers
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, and critical evaluation
Visual Insights
Key Numbers Regarding the Lok Sabha Speaker Removal Notice
Key statistics related to the notice seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker, as mentioned in the news article.
- MPs who signed the notice
- 120
- Notice Period Required
- 14 days
Highlights the significant number of opposition members supporting the removal notice.
Constitutional requirement before moving a resolution for the Speaker's removal.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the constitutional basis for removing the Lok Sabha Speaker?
The Constitution allows for the removal of the Speaker through a resolution passed by a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. The topic data does not specify the exact article.
2. What are the key facts regarding the recent notice seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker for UPSC Prelims?
For UPSC Prelims, remember that opposition parties in the INDIA alliance submitted a notice seeking removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The notice was signed by approximately 120 MPs. The Trinamool Congress did not sign the notice.
3. Why is the move to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker in the news recently?
The move is in the news due to allegations of partisan conduct against the Speaker by opposition parties. They claim instances such as not allowing Rahul Gandhi to complete his speech and the suspension of MPs as reasons for seeking his removal.
4. What is the role of the Lok Sabha Speaker, and why is impartiality important?
The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha, maintaining order and decorum during debates. Impartiality is crucial because the Speaker's decisions affect the fairness of parliamentary proceedings and the representation of different voices in the House.
5. What are the potential consequences of frequent attempts to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker?
Frequent attempts to remove the Speaker can lead to increased political instability and disrupt the functioning of the Lok Sabha. It can also erode public trust in the impartiality of the Speaker's office and the parliamentary process.
6. How does the role of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha compare to that of a chairperson in other legislative bodies?
The role is similar in that they all preside over legislative sessions and maintain order. However, the specific powers and responsibilities may vary depending on the rules and traditions of each legislative body.
7. What is the minimum notice period required before a resolution for the removal of the Speaker can be taken up?
As per the topic data, a minimum of 14 days' notice is required before the resolution can be taken up.
8. What are the arguments for and against the opposition's move to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker?
Arguments for include holding the Speaker accountable for perceived bias and ensuring fair parliamentary proceedings. Arguments against include potentially destabilizing the House and questioning the Speaker's authority.
9. What is the significance of the Trinamool Congress not signing the notice for the Speaker's removal?
The Trinamool Congress's decision not to sign the notice indicates a difference in strategy within the opposition INDIA alliance. They preferred a more restrained approach, suggesting potential disagreements on the best course of action.
10. What is the historical background of the Lok Sabha Speaker's role in India?
The role of the Speaker is rooted in the parliamentary history of India, evolving from the practices of the British Parliament. The first Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly was elected in 1921 during the British Raj.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha: 1. A resolution for the removal of the Speaker can only be moved if it has the support of at least one-third of the total members of the House. 2. The Speaker is entitled to vote on the resolution for their removal in the first instance. 3. A minimum of 14 days' notice is required before moving a resolution for the removal of the Speaker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: There is no requirement for a specific number of members to support the moving of a resolution for the removal of the Speaker. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Speaker can vote only in the case of a tie. Statement 3 is CORRECT: A minimum of 14 days' notice is indeed required before moving a resolution for the removal of the Speaker, as per constitutional provisions and parliamentary procedure.
2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the constitutional provision regarding the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
- A.The Speaker can be removed by a simple majority of members present and voting.
- B.The Speaker can be removed by a special majority of two-thirds of the total members of the House.
- C.The Speaker can be removed by an order of the President of India.
- D.The Speaker can be removed only on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Option A is correct. The Constitution allows for the removal of the Speaker through a resolution passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting in the Lok Sabha. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the actual constitutional provisions for the removal of the Speaker.
3. Assertion (A): Opposition parties have sought the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker, alleging partisan conduct. Reason (R): The Constitution provides for the removal of the Speaker through a resolution passed by a majority of the members of the House. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Both the assertion and the reason are true. The opposition parties did seek the removal of the Speaker, and the Constitution does provide a mechanism for the Speaker's removal. However, the reason (constitutional provision) is not the direct cause of the assertion (opposition's action), but rather the enabling condition.
Source Articles
Justice Yashwant Varma faces removal notice from 63 Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha over cash row - The Hindu
Congress submits no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla - The Hindu
Jagdeep Dhankhar faces no-confidence motion as Opposition INDIA bloc submits notice - The Hindu
Speaker to stay away from Lok Sabha proceedings till Opposition’s petition against him is disposed of - The Hindu
Speaker to stay away from LS proceedings till Opposition’s petition against him is disposed of - The Hindu