LS Speaker Birla rectifies flaws in opposition notice to remove him

The opposition’s notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla could have been rejected due to errors in drafting, but Birla directed officials to get it corrected so it can be listed at the earliest, parliamentary sources said. Initially, 118 opposition MPs signed the notice submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. The notice incorrectly cited events from February 2025 multiple times, which could have rendered it invalid under parliamentary rules. The opposition subsequently withdrew it and submitted a revised version with the correct dates. Speaker Birla instructed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to process the corrected notice promptly. Upon receipt, a speedy review will be conducted according to rules. Opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK, initiated the move to remove Birla, alleging that he acted in a “blatantly partisan” manner in the House. Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh, and Mohamed Jawed submitted the notice under Article 94C of the Constitution, which provides for the removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. Birla, upholding parliamentary decorum, has recused himself from chairing proceedings until the no-confidence motion is resolved. The motion is expected to be taken up on March 9, when the House reconvenes after the recess to consider budget proposals. Under Article 96 of the Constitution, the Speaker has the right to defend himself in the House. @@@@