India, March 13 -- Om Birla on Thursday resumed his duties as Speaker of the Lok Sabha and asserted that his actions as presiding officer were impartial, a day after an Opposition-backed no-confidence motion against him was defeated in Parliament.

Addressing the House, Birla said members may personally agree or disagree with decisions taken by the Chair, but it remained his duty to enforce the rules, procedures and traditions governing the functioning of the Lok Sabha.

He emphasised that the House operates strictly according to established rules and that no member has the privilege to speak whenever he or she wishes. If any member behaves contrary to the decorum of the House, he said, the Chair would be compelled to take strict action t...