Can a Lok Sabha Speaker be ‘Impeached’?
Context:
The Opposition political parties are considering moving a resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, from office for disallowing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi from speaking in the House on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address.
Grounds for Removal:
The opposition has cited four specific reasons for this move:
Silencing the Opposition
Suspensions
Inaction on Ruling Party MPs
Charges against Women MPs
Constitutional Provisions:
The Constitution does not use the term "Impeachment" for the Speaker
It is legally termed "Removal".
Article 94(C):
The Speaker can be removed by a resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (Effective Majority).
The resolution requires the signatures of 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and can only be moved after giving at least 14 days' notice.
Article 96:
The Speaker cannot preside over a sitting of the House while a resolution for his removal is under consideration.
However, he has the right to speak and participate in the proceedings.
He can vote in the first instance but does not have a casting vote in case of a tie.
Till date no speaker has ever been removed.
Significance:
This highlights a rare parliamentary showdown.
While the opposition may lack the numbers for an effective majority, the move is seen as a political statement against the alleged "one-sided" running of the House.