Lok Sabha rejects Opposition resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla by voice vote
On 11 March 2026 in New Delhi, the Lok Sabha rejected by voice vote the Opposition's resolution under Article 94(c) seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, the first such motion in nearly four decades.
Summary
On 11 March 2026 in New Delhi, the Lok Sabha rejected by voice vote an Opposition resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, after a debate of nearly 13 hours in which more than 42 members took part. The notice, accusing the Speaker of partisan conduct, had been given on 10 February under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi opened the debate. Jagdambika Pal was in the Chair, since the Speaker cannot preside while a resolution for his removal is under consideration. Union Home Minister Amit Shah replied for the government, saying a no-confidence motion against the Speaker had come after nearly four decades; the voice vote was taken amid Opposition protests over his remarks about Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Under Article 94(c), a Speaker can be removed only by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, after at least 14 days' notice. Earlier such motions were moved against G. V. Mavalankar (1954), Hukam Singh (1966) and Balram Jakhar (1987), and all failed.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 11 March 2026, Lok Sabha, New Delhi
- Result
- Resolution rejected by voice vote
- Notice
- 10 February 2026, under Article 94(c)
- Debate
- ~13 hours; 42+ members; opened by Gaurav Gogoi
- In the Chair
- Jagdambika Pal
- Government reply
- Home Minister Amit Shah
- Art 94(c)
- Majority of all the then members; at least 14 days' notice
- Art 96
- Speaker cannot preside but may speak during the removal debate
- Earlier motions
- Mavalankar 1954, Hukam Singh 1966, Balram Jakhar 1987 â all failed
Practice MCQs 5 questions
How was the resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla disposed of on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D â Rejected by voice vote
After nearly 13 hours of debate, the Lok Sabha rejected the resolution by voice vote amid Opposition protests.
Who was in the Chair of the Lok Sabha during the debate and vote on the resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D â Jagdambika Pal
Jagdambika Pal presided; a Speaker cannot preside while a resolution for his own removal is under consideration.
Consider the following statements about the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha under Article 94(c): 1. The resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the House. 2. At least 14 days' notice must be given of the intention to move the resolution. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C â Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Article 94(c) requires a majority of all the then members of the House (an effective majority, not just those present and voting), and its proviso requires at least 14 days' notice.
Consider the following about the Speaker while a resolution for his removal is under consideration in the Lok Sabha (Article 96): 1. The Speaker cannot preside over the sitting. 2. The Speaker has the right to speak in the House. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C â Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: under Article 96 the Speaker does not preside while a removal resolution is under consideration, but may speak and take part in the proceedings.
Before 2026, in which year was a motion for the removal of a Lok Sabha Speaker last moved, against Balram Jakhar?
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Correct answer: C â 1987
Earlier motions were moved against G. V. Mavalankar (1954), Hukam Singh (1966) and Balram Jakhar (1987); Amit Shah noted the 2026 motion came after nearly four decades.