📜 Article 179 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
🔹 Text Summary of Article 179:
Article 179 provides the conditions under which the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of a State Legislative Assembly can vacate, resign, or be removed from office.
📌 Clause-wise Breakdown:
| Clause | Provision |
|---|---|
| (a) | The Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate their office if they cease to be a member of the Legislative Assembly. |
| (b) | They may resign from office by writing under their hand addressed to the other officer (i.e., Speaker to Deputy Speaker and vice versa). |
| (c) | They can be removed from office by a resolution of the Assembly, passed by a majority of all the then members of the Assembly (i.e., absolute majority). |
| 🛑 14 days' notice is required for such a resolution. |
🧠 Key Takeaways:
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Resignation must be addressed to the counterpart officer.
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Removal requires an absolute majority (more than 50% of total members).
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Ensures stability in Assembly proceedings by protecting against sudden removal.
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While such a motion is pending, Article 181 applies — the Speaker cannot preside over the proceedings.
⚖️ Related Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 178 | Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker |
| 180 | Who presides in absence of Speaker/Deputy |
| 181 | Speaker not to preside during removal resolution |
| 94 | Similar provision for Lok Sabha |
🏛️ Real-World Use:
Speakers have been removed in a few states via Article 179 resolutions — especially during political realignments or change in majority.
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