Speaker stays silent on talk of a special session; says Parliament’s delayed prorogation is within constitutional norms
New Delhi, October 22: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Thursday that any fresh impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would be dealt with strictly according to laid-down procedure. Opposition protests demanding Kumar’s removal over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls are continuing.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which India is hosting, Birla said the CEC’s removal follows a process similar to that for judges. He said it would be followed if the Opposition moves a motion.
The Opposition has tried twice to remove Kumar. Notices from the first attempt were rejected by both Houses, while the second set is still pending. Opposition leaders have also met President Droupadi Murmu to seek Kumar’s removal and the repeal of the 2023 law that grants immunity to the CEC and Election Commissioners. They accuse him of exercising the commission’s collective powers unilaterally and arbitrarily. Under the law, the CEC can be removed only through a process similar to impeaching a Supreme Court judge.
Birla declined to comment on speculation that the government might call a special session to pass the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill, which would implement 33% reservation for women in legislatures. The Monsoon session was adjourned on August 13 but has not yet been prorogued. Birla said Article 85 governs prorogation and that longer gaps have occurred before.
He added that disqualification petitions against rebel TMC MPs are under examination.
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