Om Birla’s Role and Powers as Lok Sabha Speaker for a Second Term

Om Birla, the BJP’s MP from Kota, has been reelected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Parliament, by a voice vote.

This significant event follows a rare election necessitated by opposition demands after the NDA refused to offer the deputy speaker’s position to the INDIA bloc. As Speaker, Birla’s responsibilities and powers are critical for the smooth functioning of the House. He ensures the House operates according to parliamentary traditions and democratic principles, presides over meetings, maintains discipline and decorum among members, decides who speaks and the order of proceedings, and ensures the rules are followed. He safeguards the rights and privileges of MPs, determines the admissibility of questions raised by members, oversees the publication of House proceedings, and can delete remarks deemed unparliamentary, which may include critical comments against the ruling party.

As the Speaker, Om Birla has the authority to certify Money Bills and push a Bill through by voice vote if the treasury benches are thin. He can adjourn or suspend meetings if there are not enough MPs present to meet the quorum. Under the Tenth Schedule, he has the power to disqualify legislators who defect from their parties, a decision that can significantly impact government stability. The Speaker’s term can be reduced by a resolution passed by a greater number of Lok Sabha members. A motion of no-confidence can be moved with a 14-day notice as per Article 94 of the Constitution. His financial oversight role is crucial in certifying and deciding on finance-related bills. His authority to ensure parliamentary decorum and discipline and the power to disqualify defecting legislators under the anti-defection law can alter the political landscape. His critical decisions, including irrelevant requests for division in voting and erasing remarks, underscore the Speaker’s influence and the weight of his decisions on the stability of the government.

Om Birla’s reelection as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha reflects the significant trust placed in him to navigate the complexities of parliamentary proceedings. His role will be pivotal in ensuring that legislative processes are conducted smoothly and democratically, thereby upholding the principles of Indian democracy.