Opposition notice on Lok Sabha Speaker returned for 'shortcomings'; Birla allows rectification
Speaker Om Birla directs officials to allow Opposition MPs to rectify deficiencies in the notice seeking his removal; motion to be examined after second phase of Budget Session
The Lok Sabha Secretariat has found shortcomings in the notice submitted by Opposition MPs seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla and has asked for the deficiencies to be rectified before further action is taken, sources said on Wednesday.
Sources in the Secretariat said the notice makes four references to events of February 2025, which could have led to its rejection under the rules.
However, the Speaker has directed officials to allow the Opposition to correct the notice instead of dismissing it outright. He has ordered that action be taken expeditiously in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
The revised notice, once submitted, will be examined promptly under the rules. It will be listed after the commencement of the second phase of the Budget Session, sources added.
The development comes a day after the Congress and its allies in the INDIA bloc formally moved against Birla, accusing him of openly partisan conduct and repeatedly denying Opposition members, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, adequate time to speak in the House.
On Tuesday, a notice under Article 94(c) of the Constitution was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh by Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi, chief whip K Suresh and whip Mohamed Jawed.
The motion carries the signatures of 118 MPs drawn from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Left parties, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP-SP.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has not signed the notice.
Rahul Gandhi’s signature is also absent, as he is at the centre of one of the four instances cited by the Opposition in its case against the Speaker.
The Opposition has alleged that Birla curtailed debates, disallowed adjournment motions and selectively permitted interventions from treasury benches while restricting Opposition voices. It has claimed that repeated requests for discussions on key national issues were either denied or delayed.
Birla will not preside over Lok Sabha proceedings until the notice for his removal is disposed of. Top sources said he had decided to step aside from House work on moral grounds.
