Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday asserted that the House functions strictly according to established rules and procedures, and no member has the privilege to speak at any time or on any subject outside the framework laid down by parliamentary norms.
His remarks came a day after a resolution seeking his removal from office was defeated in the Lok Sabha.
Addressing the House, Birla said the Speaker’s chair represents the dignity and prestige of Parliament and does not belong to any individual. He emphasised that proceedings would continue to be conducted strictly according to the rules, regardless of whether they are acceptable to members.
“The House runs according to rules and regulations and will continue to function in the same manner. I will discharge my duties with sincerity and impartiality,” Birla said, amid desk-thumping by members of the ruling benches.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to members who participated in the debate on the resolution and thanked those who spoke both in support of him and against him.
Thursday marked Birla’s first appearance in the chair since the opposition submitted a notice seeking his removal on February 10 during the first phase of the Budget session, which concluded on February 13. The second phase of the session began on March 9.
Referring to concerns raised during the debate, Birla said some members had argued that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not given enough opportunities to speak and should be allowed to speak whenever he wished.
“Every member has the right to speak in the House, but it must be within the framework of rules. No member—not even the prime minister or a minister—can speak without the permission of the Chair,” Birla said.
He reiterated that while MPs enjoy freedom of speech in Parliament, they must adhere to procedural norms.
Responding to allegations that microphones are switched off when certain members attempt to speak, Birla clarified that the Speaker does not control the microphone switch. “The microphone is activated only when the Chair grants permission to a member to speak,” he said.
Birla also addressed criticism regarding the refusal to allow Rahul Gandhi to table a magazine article based on the unpublished memoir of former Army chief M M Naravane on the 2020 India-China conflict. Citing precedents set by previous Speakers, he said such decisions were consistent with parliamentary practice.
Following his remarks, the Speaker adjourned the House till 2 pm.
