Process: According to Article 93 of the Constitution, the Lok Sabha is responsible for electing two members: the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
Date: The election of the Speaker occurs on a date set by the President of India.
Tradition: In independent India, all Speakers have been elected unopposed, maintaining a tradition of consensus.
Role in Election: The Speaker pro tem is tasked with administering the oath of office to newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and overseeing the election of the full-time Speaker.
Conduct of Business: The Speaker presides over Lok Sabha sessions, ensuring order and decorum during discussions.
Certification of Bills: They have the authority to certify a Bill as a Money Bill, which limits the Rajya Sabha's power over it.
Disqualification Decisions: The Speaker decides on the disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule due to defection.
Referral of Bills: Bills are referred to Standing Committees by the Speaker for detailed examination.
Suspension of Members: The Speaker can suspend members for serious misconduct for up to five days.
Temporary Role: The term 'Speaker pro tem' signifies a temporary position.
Appointment: The President appoints the Speaker pro tem when both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker posts are vacant.
Duties: This role includes administering the oath of office to new MPs and facilitating the election of the full-time Speaker.
Article 94: This article ensures that the office of the Speaker is never left vacant.
Article 95(1): It provides for the appointment of a member of the Lok Sabha to perform the Speaker's duties when the position is vacant.
Article 93: States that the Lok Sabha shall elect its Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Article 99: It mandates that every member of either House must take an oath or affirmation before the President or an appointed representative.
Process: The Deputy Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha on a date determined by the Speaker.
Current Practice: Traditionally, this role has been offered to the Opposition, promoting a balanced political environment.
Resignation from Political Party: Unlike the practice in Britain, Indian Speakers do not resign from their political party to maintain impartiality.
Independence in Decision-Making: The Speaker is expected to act independently, free from undue political influence.
Maintaining Order: The Speaker ensures smooth proceedings in the House, facilitating effective discussions.
Administrative Functions: They oversee various administrative functions and manage parliamentary affairs.
Neutral Arbiter: The Speaker acts impartially, making unbiased decisions that reflect fair governance.
Substitute Role: The Deputy Speaker assumes the responsibilities of the Speaker in their absence.
Tradition: Since 1991, it has been common for the Deputy Speaker position to be held by a member from the Opposition, fostering balanced representation.
Adopting Best Practices: To enhance independence, the Speaker might consider resigning from their political party upon election, similar to British practices.
Balanced Representation: Maintaining the tradition of offering the Deputy Speaker position to the Opposition is crucial for ensuring impartiality and fair representation.
Q1. What is the role of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha?
Answer: The Speaker presides over Lok Sabha sessions, maintains order, certifies Money Bills, and oversees the disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule.
Q2. How is the Deputy Speaker elected?
Answer: The Deputy Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha on a date specified by the Speaker, often traditionally offered to the Opposition.
Q3. What is the significance of the Speaker pro tem?
Answer: The Speaker pro tem is a temporary position appointed by the President to administer oaths to new MPs and oversee the election of the full-time Speaker.
Q4. What constitutional articles govern the Speaker's office?
Answer: Key articles like Article 93, 94, and 95 detail the election process, duties, and provisions to ensure the Speaker's office is never vacant.
Q5. Why is impartiality important for the Speaker?
Answer: Impartiality is vital for the Speaker to ensure fair decision-making and maintain the integrity of parliamentary proceedings, free from political influence.
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