New Delhi, 12 March (H.S.): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla resumed the chair Thursday after the opposition's no-confidence motion against him was rejected by voice vote the previous day, reaffirming his commitment to parliamentary decorum.Birla noted this marked the third such motion in Lok Sabha history, debated over two days and 12 hours, where he ensured every member voiced views under rules, prioritizing the last person's representation as enshrined in Article 93.
He recused himself upon notice on February 10, emphasizing impartial conduct; post-debate, he thanked members while clarifying no special privileges exist—rules bind all equally, including the Leader of Opposition, Prime Minister, or ministers requiring Rule 372 permission.
Citing 1957 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee respected Speaker directives on documents, and 1958 precedents, Birla stressed decisions may differ but enforcement remains mandatory under Article 105, subordinate to House rule.
Addressing mic allegations, he clarified only permitted speakers' mics activate; prioritizing women MPs, he halted PM's speech amid treasury bench disruptions to avert chaos. Expulsions pain him, yet order demands firmness—1997 and 2001 resolutions, endorsed by Sonia Gandhi, banned well-entry, posters, and slogans.
Upholding traditions sustains democratic faith; Birla urged collective resolve against indecorous acts, positioning Parliament as national exemplar.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
