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X v. O/o Speaker of the House of the People & Ors.

Writ Petition · 2026 INSC 65Decided 16 Jan 2026
Writ Petition (Article 32)
Justice Dipankar Datta · Justice Satish Chandra Sharma

Background

After misconduct allegations, removal motions were filed the same day in both Houses of Parliament; the Rajya Sabha declined to admit its motion while the Lok Sabha Speaker admitted his and formed a three-member inquiry committee alone. The judge argued the law required a Joint Committee whenever notices were given in both Houses on the same day.

Decision Breakdown

The Supreme Court held a Joint Committee is required only where notices are admitted in both Houses, not merely given: a rejection in one House doesn't kill a validly admitted motion in the other. It also held a Deputy Chairman validly acting for a vacant Chairman's office could lawfully decline admission.

Lesson Learnt

Courts favour interpretations of constitutional safeguards that keep the removal machinery functional rather than creating a veto or deadlock; a "Deputy" or "Acting" office-holder validly exercises the full powers of a vacant constitutional office.

Official source (sci.gov.in)View Judgment (PDF)

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