Constitutional Provision
- Article 94(c) of the Constitution empowers the Lok Sabha to remove its Speaker (or Deputy Speaker) by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (effective majority).
- The Speaker ceases to hold office automatically if he/she stops being a member of the Lok Sabha (Art. 94(a)) or resigns in writing (Art. 94(b)).
Procedural Requirements (Rules 200‑203)
- Notice: Minimum 14 days' written notice to the Secretary‑General, signed by at least one member.
- Admission of Motion: The motion is entered in the List of Business if in order. At least 50 members must rise in support for the motion to get the "leave of the House"; otherwise it is dropped.
- Content of Resolution: Must be specific, clear, and free of arguments, inferences, or defamatory language. Discussion is limited to the charges mentioned.
- Voting: The resolution must be passed by an effective majority – i.e., a majority of all then members of the Lok Sabha, excluding vacant seats.
- Outcome: If passed, the Speaker is removed immediately.
Speaker’s Role During Removal Proceedings
- The Speaker cannot preside over the House while the removal motion is under consideration (Article 96).
- He/She may participate and vote as an ordinary member, but cannot exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.
Tenure on Dissolution of Lok Sabha
- The Speaker does not vacate office on dissolution; he/she continues until immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha.
Historical Precedents
| Year | Speaker | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | G.V. Mavalankar | Motion failed |
| 1966 | Hukam Singh | Motion failed |
| 1987 | Balram Jakhar | Motion failed |
- No Speaker has ever been removed through this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Under which Article can the Lok Sabha Speaker be removed? – Article 94(c).
- What is an “Effective Majority”? – Majority of all then members of the Lok Sabha, not just those present and voting.
- Notice requirement for a removal motion? – Minimum 14 days written notice.
- Can the Speaker preside during removal proceedings? – No, per Article 96.
UPSC Relevance
- Polity & Governance: Knowledge of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedure, and the concept of effective majority.
- Previous Year Questions: Illustrates common misconceptions about the Speaker’s tenure and removal.
- Analytical Angle (Mains): Discuss the checks and balances inherent in the removal process and its impact on parliamentary democracy.
Prepared for UPSC Civil Services Examination – GS Paper‑2 (Polity).