Within an hour of the Opposition submitting a formal notice for his removal, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued a decisive response on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Birla instructed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to “examine the notice and expedite the process” in accordance with parliamentary rules.
The motion, backed by 118 signatures, marks a critical juncture in the ongoing Budget Session, which has been paralyzed by a standoff between the government and the INDIA bloc.
The Speaker’s Response: Swift and Procedural
Birla’s instruction to “expedite” suggests a willingness to address the challenge head-on rather than delaying the process.
- Secretariat Role: The Lok Sabha Secretariat, led by Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh, is now tasked with verifying the signatures and ensuring the notice fulfills the requirements of Article 94(c).
- Neutral Stance: Sources close to the Speaker’s office indicate that Birla wants the procedure to be transparent to counter the Opposition’s “partisan” allegations.
Constitutional Process: How a Speaker is Removed
The removal of a Speaker is a rare and solemn procedure governed by the Constitution of India.
- Notice Period: Under Article 94, a 14-day mandatory notice must be given before the resolution can be moved in the House.
- Presiding During Debate: Once the 14-day period ends and the motion is taken up for discussion, Om Birla cannot preside over the House. The Deputy Speaker or a member of the Panel of Chairpersons will take the Chair.
- The Vote: To be successful, the resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (Absolute Majority), not just those present and voting.
Timeline of Today’s Developments (Feb 10, 2026)
| Time | Event |
| 1:14 PM | Opposition leaders submit notice with 118 signatures to the Secretary General. |
| 1:45 PM | Speaker Om Birla holds a brief meeting with senior Secretariat officials. |
| 2:16 PM | Speaker officially directs the Secretariat to “examine and expedite” the notice. |
| 2:30 PM | House adjourned for the day amid continued sloganeering by both sides. |
What’s at Stake?
While the ruling NDA has the numbers to defeat the motion, the next 14 days will be a “trial by fire” for parliamentary decorum.
- The “Safety” Argument: The government continues to highlight the Speaker’s earlier warning about the “safety threat” to the PM, while the Opposition uses the motion to spotlight the “muzzling” of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
- Legislative Impact: With the Speaker’s office under a cloud, the passage of the Union Budget 2026 and the India-US Trade Deal discussion may face significant procedural delays.