Full Breakdown
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Reaffirms Parliamentary Procedure for Any New Motion to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 22, 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that any fresh notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will be examined “under rules and procedures.” The statement came amid renewed protests by the opposition over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Background & Context
The opposition’s campaign intensified after The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections at least 14 times over the past ten months, alleging that SIR decisions were taken without their knowledge. The opposition has already made two attempts to initiate removal proceedings: the first set of notices was rejected by both Houses, while a second set remains pending in the Rajya Sabha.
Timeline
- August 13, 2026 – The monsoon session of Parliament was adjourned sine die; no prorogation has yet occurred.
- October 22, 2026 – Speaker Birla’s press conference reiterates that any new motion will follow the constitutional removal process.
- October 26-27, 2026 – India will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
- November 1, 2026 – The INDIA bloc plans a rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan demanding Kumar’s resignation and a rollback of SIR.
Official Statements & Responses
- Om Birla explained that the removal of a CEC is governed by the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 and mirrors the impeachment procedure for a Supreme Court judge. The process requires a parliamentary address supported by a majority of each House’s total membership and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
- Birla noted that the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 mandates a three-member inquiry committee—comprising the Chief Justice of India (or a Supreme Court judge), a High Court chief justice, and a distinguished jurist—if a removal motion is admitted.
- Citing Article 85, Birla said the President may summon or prorogue either House on the Council of Ministers’ advice, and the current gap between adjournment and prorogation is not unprecedented.
Criticism & Opposition
- The INDIA bloc and Congress allege that CEC Kumar’s actions constitute “unilateral and arbitrary” exercise of power during SIR, branding the situation “vote theft” and urging President Droupadi Murmu to remove the CEC and repeal the 2023 immunity law.
- BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, describe the protests as a “conspiracy to grab power” and claim the opposition is spreading “anarchy” against constitutional institutions.
- Congress leader Pawan Khera counters that the BJP is portraying legitimate democratic criticism as “anti-national” activity.
Verbatim Quote
- “If any fresh notice comes, we will see and examine it accordingly under rules and procedures,” — Sabha Speaker Om Birla
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source disputes the constitutional removal framework. However, the opposition’s claim of “irregularities” in SIR rests on the 14 recorded objections, a figure not independently verified within the provided material.
What’s Next
- The BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26-27 will proceed, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to meet visiting delegations.
- The opposition plans a November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan to press its demands.
- Parliament’s decision on any fresh removal notice will depend on whether the opposition submits a motion that meets the constitutional criteria outlined by the Speaker.