The notice submitted by opposition MPs to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from office was found to contain several errors, according to Lok Sabha sources on Wednesday as per PTI reports.
A total of 118 opposition MPs had signed the notice, which was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh on Tuesday afternoon. However, officials later identified four instances where incorrect dates had been mentioned. These errors could have led to the notice being rejected under parliamentary rules. To prevent this, Birla directed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to correct the mistakes instead of dismissing the notice. “Birla ordered prompt action as per the rules,” a functionary said.
After the errors were pointed out, opposition leaders withdrew the original notice and submitted a revised version with the corrected dates later the same day. Sources said the revised notice will now undergo a quick review as per the established procedures. The motion is expected to be listed after the second phase of the Budget session begins on March 9.
Speaker to step aside from chair
Lok Sabha Secretariat officials said that Om Birla has decided not to preside over the House while the no-confidence motion against him is under consideration. Officials described this as a step taken to uphold “the highest standards of morality.”
The motion seeking his removal is likely to be taken up on March 9, when the House reconvenes after the recess to discuss budgetary proposals.
Why was the motion moved?
Opposition parties initiated the process on Tuesday, accusing Birla of acting in a “blatantly partisan” manner while conducting House proceedings. They have urged him to step aside from the Speaker’s chair until the matter is resolved.
The notice was submitted under Article 94C of the Constitution by Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, chief whip K. Suresh, and whip Mohamed Jawed. It was filed on behalf of several opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the DMK.
What the Constitution says
Article 94C of the Constitution deals with the procedure for removing the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Under Article 96, the Speaker has the right to defend himself or herself in the House when such a motion is taken up. The Speaker is allowed to cast a vote when the motion for removal is discussed. However, he or she cannot vote in the event of a tie.
(With PTI Inputs)