Syllabus: GS2/ Indian Polity
Context
- A no-confidence motion (resolution for removal) has been submitted against the Lok Sabha Speaker under Article 94(c) of the Constitution of India.
Speaker of Lok Sabha
- The presiding officer of India’s Lower House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha Speaker, is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the House.
- In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker discharges his/her functions.
- Article 93 of the Indian Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
- Generally, a member belonging to the ruling party is elected as Speaker.
- The salary and allowances of the Speaker of Lok Sabha are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and hence are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament.
Appointment of the Lok Sabha Speaker
- There are two methods for the appointment of a Lok Sabha speaker.
- The ruling party nominates a candidate using the first and most practiced method. After a formal consultation with the opposition party, the candidate is named the Speaker of Lok Sabha for the respective assembly.
- However, in the less practiced method, the ruling and opposition party nominates one candidate from each side for the position. The Speaker is elected based on votes cast by the present MPs of the Lok Sabha on the day of the election.
- In the 72 years of the Lok Sabha Assembly, the election for the Speaker post has taken place thrice, i.e., in 1952, 1976 and 2024.
Removal of the Speaker
- Article 94(c): The Speaker may be removed by a resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.
- This is known as an effective majority (majority of the total effective strength, excluding vacancies).
- If the motion is passed, the Speaker is removed immediately but continues as an MP.
- Notice Requirement: At least 14 days written notice must be given before moving the resolution.
- Minimum Support for Admission: The motion must be supported by at least 50 members to be admitted for discussion.
- During the Pendency of Motion:
- The Speaker cannot preside over the House during the discussion of the motion.
- The Deputy Speaker or another member presides.
- The Speaker has the right to participate and defend himself.
Lok Sabha Speakers Removed So Far
- No Speaker of the Lok Sabha has ever been successfully removed from office through a no-confidence or removal motion. Attempts have been made, but they continued holding office.
- In 1954, members moved a motion against Speaker GV Mavalankar.
- Speaker Hukam Singh faced a similar motion in 1966.
- A motion was moved in 1987 against Speaker Balram Jakhar.
- Neelam Sanjiva Reddy resigned as Lok Sabha Speaker in 1969. He later became the President of the country.
- GV Mavalankar, the first Lok Sabha Speaker, died while serving in office. GMC Balayogi died in a helicopter crash in 2002 while serving as Speaker.
Source: TH
