Context

A notice of no-confidence against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha was moved under Article 94(c) of the Constitution of India. The notice was submitted to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha by Congress Chief Whip K. Suresh and Whip Jawed Ahmed, reportedly backed by 118–119 Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to parties such as the Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, RJD and Left parties.

Constitutional Basis

The removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is governed by Article 94(c) of the Constitution of India.

Article 94 states that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker:

• Shall vacate office if he/she ceases to be a member of the House.
• May resign by writing to the Deputy Speaker (or Speaker in case of Deputy Speaker).
• May be removed from office by a resolution of the House passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

Thus, the Constitution provides a specific mechanism for accountability of the Speaker.

Procedure for Removal

1. A resolution for removal must be moved with prior notice.
2. The notice period is generally 14 days.
3. The resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (effective majority).
4. During the discussion of the removal motion, the Speaker does not preside; instead, the Deputy Speaker or another member presides.

This ensures neutrality in proceedings.

Why Is the Speaker Important?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha occupies a constitutional office and is the presiding officer of the Lower House of Parliament. The Speaker:

• Maintains order and decorum in the House.
• Decides on admissibility of motions and questions.
• Interprets Rules of Procedure.
• Decides on disqualification of MPs under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).
• Certifies Money Bills under Article 110.
• Heads several Parliamentary Committees.

Because of these powers, the Speaker’s office is expected to function in a politically neutral and impartial manner.

No-Confidence Motion vs. Removal Resolution

It is important to distinguish:

• No-Confidence Motion: Usually moved against the Council of Ministers under Article 75(3). If passed, the government must resign.
• Removal Resolution (against Speaker): Specifically governed under Article 94(c).

In public discourse, the term “no-confidence motion” may be used loosely, but constitutionally it is a removal resolution.

Major Terms

• Article 94(c) – Removal of Speaker/Deputy Speaker.
• Effective Majority – Majority of all the then members of the House (excluding vacancies).
• Presiding Officer – Speaker in Lok Sabha.
• Anti-Defection Law – Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Money Bill Certification – Article 110.
• Chief Whip – Party functionary ensuring discipline in voting.

Static Facts

• Article 93 – Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.
• Article 94 – Vacation, resignation and removal of Speaker.
• Article 95 – Power of Deputy Speaker.
• Article 75(3) – Collective responsibility of Council of Ministers.
• Tenth Schedule – Anti-Defection provisions (added by 52nd Amendment, 1985).
• Current Lok Sabha term: 5 years (Article 83).

Conclusion

A motion for removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker is a rare and constitutionally significant event. While political in nature, it highlights the accountability mechanisms embedded within India’s parliamentary democracy.