📜 Article 181 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Speaker or Deputy Speaker not to preside while a resolution for his removal is under consideration
🔹 Text Summary of Article 181:
Article 181 provides that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of a State Legislative Assembly cannot preside over the House when a resolution for their removal is being considered.
📌 Clause-wise Breakdown:
| Clause | Provision |
|---|---|
| (1) | The Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall not preside over any sitting of the Legislative Assembly while a resolution for their removal is under consideration under Article 179(c). |
| 👉 However, they can attend the sitting and speak in the debate, but cannot vote on the resolution. | |
| (2) | The same rule applies to a person acting as Speaker under Article 180 — i.e., even the acting presiding officer cannot preside if a resolution against themselves is under discussion. |
🧠Key Takeaways:
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Ensures fairness and neutrality during the process of removing presiding officers.
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Prevents the misuse of authority by the Speaker/Deputy Speaker to influence the outcome.
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Maintains the integrity of legislative procedures.
⚖️ Related Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 178 | Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly |
| 179 | Removal process of Speaker/Deputy Speaker |
| 180 | Who presides if Speaker/Deputy Speaker is absent |
| 181 | Speaker/Deputy cannot preside during removal resolution |
| 96 | Similar provision for Lok Sabha (Speaker's removal) |
📌 Example:
If a resolution is introduced in a State Assembly to remove the Speaker, then:
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The Speaker cannot chair that session.
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The Deputy Speaker or any other member (as per Article 180) will preside.
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The Speaker may speak, may attend, but cannot vote on the resolution.
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