Removal of the Speaker
Also called: Article 94 · Topic: Parliamentary Procedure, Committees and Privileges · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Under Article 94(c), the Lok Sabha can remove its Speaker by passing a resolution. The resolution needs a majority of all the then members of the House, not just of those present and voting. At least 14 days' notice must be given before it is moved. While the resolution is being considered, the Speaker cannot preside. The Speaker may speak and vote in the first instance like any member, but has no casting vote on it (Article 96).
Example
If members want to remove the Speaker, they must first give 14 days' notice. When the resolution is debated, someone else presides, and the Speaker can defend themselves from the floor of the House.
Don't confuse with
- No-confidence motion: removes the government (the Council of Ministers), not the Speaker. It needs the support of 50 members to be admitted and no reasons need to be given.
Related concepts
- Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Casting vote
- Pro tem Speaker
- Deputy Speaker
- Panel of chairpersons
- Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
- Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
- Panel of vice-chairpersons
- Voice vote
- Division