Lok Sabha Speaker Removal Motion: What Are the Rules?

In independent India, there have been three attempts so far to remove a Lok Sabha Speaker, all of which failed due to the ruling government’s numerical strength. Against this backdrop, a recent notice seeking the Speaker’s removal has sparked political debate. To move such a motion, at least two Lok Sabha members must sign the notice, and it requires approval by a simple majority of the total sitting members of the House, excluding vacancies. Former Lok Sabha Secretary General P.D.T. Achary explained that all existing members are counted for this purpose.

A minimum 14-day prior notice is mandatory before introducing the motion. At the preliminary stage, authorities examine whether the allegations are specific and clearly framed. The notice must be submitted to the Secretary General, not the Deputy Speaker. The proposed motion should not contain defamatory language. Normally, the Deputy Speaker scrutinizes the wording, but since the current Lok Sabha does not have a Deputy Speaker, the senior-most member from the panel of chairpersons may undertake this role. During the consideration of the motion, the Speaker cannot preside over the House. At least 50 members must support the motion for it to be admitted, and once introduced, the House must debate and decide on it within 10 days. Despite three such motions being introduced in the past, none have been adopted so far.