11 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

3 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Opposition's No-Confidence Motion: Speaker Withdraws from Lok Sabha Proceedings

Speaker Om Birla steps aside amid opposition's no-confidence motion notice.

Photo by shalender kumar

Following the submission of a no-confidence motion notice against him by at least 118 opposition MPs, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has decided to recuse himself from chairing the proceedings until a decision is made on the notice. The notice was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. The Speaker has faced opposition fire since suspending eight MPs for protesting in Lok Sabha.

Key Facts

At least 118 opposition MPs submitted a no-confidence motion notice against the Speaker.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has decided to recuse himself from chairing the proceedings.

The notice was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh.

The Speaker has faced opposition fire since suspending eight MPs for protesting in Lok Sabha.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 - Polity and Governance: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Connects to the syllabus by examining the functioning of Parliament, the role of the Speaker, and the process of a no-confidence motion.

Potential question types include statement-based questions on the constitutional provisions related to the Council of Ministers and the powers of the Speaker.

Visual Insights

Key Numbers from No-Confidence Motion News

Highlights key statistics related to the no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Opposition MPs Supporting No-Confidence Motion: 118

More Information

Background

The concept of a no-confidence motion is rooted in the parliamentary system of government, where the executive (government) is accountable to the legislature (Parliament). This accountability is ensured through mechanisms like the no-confidence motion, which allows the legislature to test the confidence of the house in the government. The origins of this system can be traced back to the British parliamentary tradition. In India, the no-confidence motion is governed by the rules of procedure of the Lok Sabha. While the Constitution of India does not explicitly mention 'no-confidence motion,' Article 75 states that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This provision forms the basis for the motion. Over time, various rulings and interpretations by Speakers have shaped the process and admissibility of such motions. The procedure for a no-confidence motion involves several steps. First, a written notice is submitted to the Speaker. If the Speaker admits the motion, a minimum number of members (currently 50) must support it. Once admitted, a debate takes place, and the motion is put to a vote. A successful no-confidence motion results in the resignation of the government. The role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is crucial in this process, as they decide on the admissibility and timing of the motion.

Latest Developments

The recent submission of a no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. This move follows the suspension of several MPs, indicating a breakdown in parliamentary proceedings and trust. Such actions can impact the functioning of the Parliament of India and its ability to effectively legislate and hold the government accountable. The Speaker's decision to recuse himself from chairing the proceedings until a decision is made on the notice is significant. This action aims to maintain impartiality and ensure a fair process. However, it also raises questions about the role and responsibilities of the Speaker in maintaining order and decorum in the House. The outcome of this no-confidence motion will likely have implications for the future conduct of parliamentary business. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how the government and the opposition navigate this situation. The debate on the no-confidence motion will provide an opportunity for both sides to present their arguments and address the concerns raised. The Speaker's actions and the subsequent decisions made by the House will set a precedent for future instances of conflict and disagreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main reason for the no-confidence motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker, as per the provided information?

The no-confidence motion was submitted following the suspension of eight MPs for protesting in the Lok Sabha, indicating opposition dissatisfaction with the Speaker's actions.

2. What are the key facts to remember about this event for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include: at least 118 opposition MPs submitted the no-confidence motion notice, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has recused himself, and the notice was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh.

3. Explain the concept of a no-confidence motion in the Indian parliamentary system.

A no-confidence motion is a mechanism in a parliamentary system where the legislature can test the confidence of the house in the government. It ensures the executive's accountability to the legislature.

4. Who is Utpal Kumar Singh and what is his role in this context?

Utpal Kumar Singh is the Lok Sabha Secretary General. The no-confidence motion notice against the Speaker was submitted to him.

5. How might the Speaker recusing himself impact the functioning of the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker recusing himself highlights the tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, and may lead to delays and disruptions in parliamentary proceedings until a decision is made on the motion.

6. What is the significance of the number 118 in this news context?

The number 118 represents the minimum number of opposition MPs who supported the no-confidence motion notice against the Lok Sabha Speaker.

7. What are some related concepts that are important to understand in relation to this news?

Related concepts include: No-Confidence Motion, Article 93 (Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker), Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, Role and Powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Parliamentary Privileges.

8. Why is the no-confidence motion against the Speaker in the news recently?

The no-confidence motion is in the news due to the opposition's dissatisfaction with the Speaker's decision to suspend eight MPs, leading to a formal challenge to his position.

9. How does a no-confidence motion against the Speaker differ from a no-confidence motion against the government?

A no-confidence motion against the Speaker targets the individual holding the office and their conduct, while a no-confidence motion against the government challenges the entire government's ability to maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

10. What is the historical background of the no-confidence motion in parliamentary systems?

The concept of a no-confidence motion originates from the British parliamentary system, where it serves as a mechanism to ensure the executive's accountability to the legislature.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in the Indian Parliament: 1. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions the procedure for a No-Confidence Motion. 2. Article 75 of the Constitution states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. 3. A minimum of 100 members are required to support a No-Confidence Motion for it to be admitted by the Speaker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.2 and 3 only

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Constitution does NOT explicitly mention the procedure for a No-Confidence Motion. It is governed by the rules of procedure of the Lok Sabha. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 75 of the Constitution does state that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This is the basis for the No-Confidence Motion. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: A minimum of 50 members (not 100) are required to support a No-Confidence Motion for it to be admitted by the Speaker.

2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha concerning a No-Confidence Motion?

A.The Speaker is obligated to immediately admit a No-Confidence Motion if it is submitted by any member.
B.The Speaker decides on the admissibility of the No-Confidence Motion and its timing.
C.The Speaker votes on the No-Confidence Motion along with other members of the Lok Sabha.
D.The Speaker can reject a No-Confidence Motion without assigning any reason.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is correct. The Speaker has the power to decide on the admissibility of the No-Confidence Motion and its timing. They ensure that the motion meets the required conditions and allot time for its discussion. The Speaker does not vote on the motion unless there is a tie.

3. Assertion (A): The Speaker of the Lok Sabha recused himself from chairing the proceedings related to the No-Confidence Motion against him. Reason (R): This decision was taken to ensure impartiality and fairness in the proceedings. 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: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The Speaker recused himself to maintain impartiality, which is essential for the fairness of the proceedings.