Context:
Opposition parties belonging to the INDIA alliance are considering bringing a resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging partisan conduct and denial of debate opportunities to the Opposition, particularly the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).
Key Highlights:
- Parliamentary Development
- Opposition MPs are exploring a no-confidence resolution against the Lok Sabha Speaker.
- The move comes after the suspension of eight Opposition MPs and disputes over debate time in the House.
- More than 100 MPs from parties like Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party have reportedly signed a notice supporting the motion.
- Allegations by Opposition
- The Speaker is accused of bias in procedural rulings and restricting the Opposition’s ability to raise issues.
- Opposition leaders claim the Speaker failed to act against a BJP MP for objectionable remarks about former Prime Ministers.
- They argue the Lok Sabha is being run in a “one-sided manner.”
- Government’s Response
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Opposition does not have sufficient numbers to pass the resolution.
- Parliamentary Issues Raised
- Trinamool Congress intends to raise the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.
- Samajwadi Party plans to raise the issue of alleged vandalization of Ahilyabai Holkar’s statue.
- Due to the ongoing stand-off, Lok Sabha proceedings have been repeatedly disrupted.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Article 94 of the Constitution deals with vacation, resignation and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Under Article 94(c):
- The Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.
- A minimum 14-day notice must be given before moving such a resolution.
- Presiding Officer During Removal Motion:
- When a motion for removal of the Speaker is under consideration, the Speaker does not preside over the House.
- The Deputy Speaker or another member presides.
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Elected by the members of Lok Sabha from among themselves.
- Acts as guardian of parliamentary procedures and privileges.
- Ensures order, discipline, and smooth functioning of the House.
- Leader of the Opposition (LoP)
- Recognized under the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977.
- The leader of the largest opposition party with at least 10% of seats in the House.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Importance of the Speaker in Parliamentary Democracy
- The Speaker ensures neutrality, fairness, and adherence to parliamentary procedures.
- Acts as arbiter of debates, motions, and disciplinary measures.
- Plays a critical role in protecting the rights of both government and opposition.
- Issues Related to Perceived Bias of Presiding Officers
- Increasing politicization of the Speaker’s office due to party affiliations.
- Allegations of selective disciplinary action against MPs.
- Restrictions on debates and discussion of sensitive public issues.
- Concerns about declining parliamentary deliberation and accountability.
- Institutional Challenges
- Speaker elections often occur along party lines, weakening perceptions of neutrality.
- Disruptions and frequent adjournments reduce legislative scrutiny.
- Lack of clear conventions ensuring impartial conduct.
- Way Forward
- Strengthening institutional neutrality of the Speaker’s office.
- Developing codified parliamentary conventions for fair debate allocation.
- Encouraging greater dialogue between government and opposition to prevent legislative paralysis.
- Considering institutional reforms to reinforce the independence of presiding officers.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 2 – Polity: Parliamentary procedures, powers and responsibilities of presiding officers.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance: Functioning of Parliament, legislative accountability, and democratic institutions.