{"id":8725,"date":"2024-06-19T12:25:24","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T12:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/?p=8725"},"modified":"2024-06-22T12:46:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-22T12:46:09","slug":"speaker-of-lok-sabha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/","title":{"rendered":"Speaker of Lok Sabha"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>As the Presiding Officer of the highest Panchayat of the country, the <strong>Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong> holds a pivotal position in the Indian parliamentary system. By upholding parliamentary rules and conventions, the Speaker plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the government. This <strong>article of NEXT IAS<\/strong> aims to study in detail the Speaker of Lok Sabha, including its election procedure, tenure, role, powers, functions, significance, and other related aspects.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#About_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"About Speaker of Lok Sabha\">About Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Election_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Election of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Election of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Tenure_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Tenure of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Tenure of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Oath_and_Affirmation_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Oath and Affirmation of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Oath and Affirmation of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Removal_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Removal of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Removal of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Salary_and_Allowances_of_Speaker_of_the_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Salary and Allowances of Speaker of the Lok Sabha\">Salary and Allowances of Speaker of the Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Role_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Role of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Role of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Powers_and_Functions_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Powers and Functions of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Powers and Functions of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Significance_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Significance of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Significance of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Provisions_ensuring_Independence_Impartiality_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Provisions ensuring Independence &amp; Impartiality of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Provisions ensuring Independence &amp; Impartiality of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Factors_Hampering_Impartiality_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Factors Hampering Impartiality of Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Factors Hampering Impartiality of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Speaker_Pro_Tem\" title=\"Speaker Pro Tem\">Speaker Pro Tem<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Powers_Functions_of_Speaker_Pro_Tem\" title=\"Powers &amp; Functions of Speaker Pro Tem\">Powers &amp; Functions of Speaker Pro Tem<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/speaker-of-lok-sabha\/#Evolution_of_Offices_of_Speaker_and_Deputy_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\" title=\"Evolution of Offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha\">Evolution of Offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-454429d6d992caae2afcf694e20e0ef8\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>About Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker of Lok Sabha is the Presiding Officer of the Lower House of Parliament of India &#8211; the Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Speaker is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the house, conducting its business, and ensuring that the legislative process is carried out smoothly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additionally, the Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President of India, the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House), and other external bodies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>About Presiding Officers of Parliament<br><\/strong>&#8211; The Presiding Officers of Parliament refer to the officials who oversee and regulate the proceedings of the Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in case of India).<br>&#8211; They are responsible for upholding parliamentary rules, maintaining order, managing debates, and conducting the legislative process as per the established procedures within their respective houses of the Parliament.<br>&#8211; Overall, their role is to ensure that the legislative body functions smoothly and efficiently.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read our detailed article on Presiding Officers of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/sessions-of-parliament\/\">Indian Parliament<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e17ecf0fc5cf8ccdbd1bb28851bb4a18\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Election_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Election of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker of Lok Sabha is <strong>elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This means only sitting members of the Lok Sabha are eligible to be elected as Speaker of Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>date of election<\/strong> of the Speaker is <strong>fixed by the President of India.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The date is kept <strong>as soon as possible after the first sitting<\/strong> of the House.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1957db7bb7fb9bc2484ccd9d863c8ace\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tenure_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Tenure of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker remains in office <strong>during the life of the Lok Sabha.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, the Speaker <strong>has to vacate <\/strong>his\/her office earlier in any of the <strong>following three cases:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If he\/she <strong>ceases to be a member<\/strong> of the Lok Sabha,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If he\/she <strong>resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker,<\/strong> and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If he\/she is <strong>removed by a resolution passed by<\/strong> a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (i.e. an Effective Majority).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whenever the <strong>Lok Sabha is dissolved,<\/strong> the <strong>Speaker <\/strong>of Lok Sabha does not vacate his\/her office and <strong>continues till the newly-elected Lok Sabha meets.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note<\/strong>: If the office of the Speaker falls vacant, the Lok Sabha elects another member to fill the vacancy.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a0a511293e621955e018e9cdb29d345c\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oath_and_Affirmation_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Oath and Affirmation of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Speaker of Lok Sabha, while assuming his\/her office, does not make and subscribe to any separate oath or affirmation.<br>Their oath as a Member of Parliament suffices for his\/her role as Speaker of Lok Sabha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bb6ff9a5da3ded9b3eba71e459506388\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Removal_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Removal of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker of Lok Sabha can be removed by a resolution passed by the Lok Sabha by an Effective Majority (i.e. a <strong>majority of the total membership<\/strong> of the House<strong> excluding the vacant seats).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A motion of removal of the Speaker of Lok Sabha can be moved only <strong>after giving 14 days&#8217; advance notice <\/strong>to the Speaker.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This motion of removal can be <strong>considered and discussed only when it has the support of at least 50 members.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When a resolution for the removal <\/strong>of the Speaker of Lok Sabha <strong>is under consideration<\/strong> of the House, he\/she <strong>cannot preside<\/strong> at the sitting of the House, though he\/she may be present in the House.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>However, he\/she <strong>can speak and take part in the proceedings<\/strong> of the House at such a time and <strong>vote in the first instance,<\/strong> though <strong>not in the case of an equality of votes.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ca6b57af4a6b8e97e841af048ad1744c\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salary_and_Allowances_of_Speaker_of_the_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Salary and Allowances of Speaker of the Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Speaker of Lok Sabha is entitled to a regular salary and allowance fixed by the Parliament.<br>The salary and allowances of the Speaker of Lok Sabha are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and hence are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6ea6ed5003fd6c87b596f3d515533119\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Role of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker is the head and the representative of the Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she is the guardian of the powers and privileges of the members, its committees and the House as a whole.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she is the principal spokesperson of the House.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she is the final deciding authority in all Parliamentary matters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d8446380ad9ce428c4b5590a61ac9a23\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Powers_and_Functions_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Powers and Functions of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He\/she <strong>maintains order and decorum in the House<\/strong> for conducting its business and regulating its proceedings. This is his\/her primary responsibility and he\/she has final power in this regard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Within the House, he\/she is the <strong>final interpreter of the provisions<\/strong> of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Constitution of India,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Parliamentary Precedents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>adjourns <\/strong>the House or <strong>suspends <\/strong>the meeting <strong>in the absence of a Quorum.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Quorum <\/strong>to constitute a meeting of the House is <strong>one-tenth of the total strength of the House.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>does not vote in the first instance.<\/strong> But he\/she <strong>can exercise a casting vote <\/strong>in the case of a tie.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In other words, only when the House is divided equally on any question, the Speaker is entitled to vote.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Such a vote is called a casting vote, which aims to resolve a deadlock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>presides over a joint sitting<\/strong> of the two Houses of Parliament.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Such a sitting is summoned by the President to settle a deadlock between the two Houses on a bill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>can allow a &#8216;secret&#8217; sitting of the House<\/strong> at the request of the Leader of the House.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When the House sits in secret, no stranger can be present in the chamber, lobby or galleries except with the permission of the Speaker.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>decides whether a bill is a Money bill or not<\/strong> and his\/her decision on this question is final.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When a Money Bill is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for recommendation and presented to the President for assent, the Speaker endorses on the bill his\/her certificate that it is a money bill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>decides the questions of disqualification<\/strong> of a member of the Lok Sabha, arising on the ground of defection under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As per the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in the <strong>Kihoto Hollohan<\/strong> vs <strong>Zachillhu Case of 1992,<\/strong> the decision of the Speaker in this regard is <strong>subject to judicial review.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Speaker of Lok Sabha acts as the <strong>Ex-Officio Chairman of the Indian Parliamentary Group<\/strong> which is a link between the Parliament of India and the various Parliaments of the World.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she acts as the <strong>Ex-Officio Chairman of the Conference of the Presiding Officers<\/strong> of legislative bodies in the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she <strong>appoints the Chairman of all the Parliamentary Committees <\/strong>of the Lok Sabha and supervises their functioning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she is the Chairman of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Business Advisory Committee,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Rules Committee and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The General Purposes Committee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note<\/strong>: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha derives his\/her powers and duties from three sources:<br>&#8211; The Constitution of India,<br>&#8211; The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha, and<br>&#8211; Parliamentary Conventions i.e. residuary powers that are unwritten or unspecified in the Rules.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90cba9d33ee1a5e2c717bedf2a47976b\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c9eae8fff167302ff3b2ae82865f542c\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Significance_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Significance of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Speaker of Lok Sabha holds significant importance in the Indian parliamentary system. The major significance of the Speaker of Lok Sabha can be seen as follows:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Orderly Functioning of House<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker ensures orderly conduct of proceedings, maintaining decorum, and upholding the rules of the House.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impartiality<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker is expected to maintain impartiality and fairness while conducting the business of the house. They are responsible for giving all members an equal opportunity to express their views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decision-Making<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker makes crucial decisions on matters of parliamentary procedure, interpretation of rules, and maintaining discipline among members.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Committee Appointments<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker plays a role in appointing members to various parliamentary committees, which are essential for the functioning of the legislative process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Custodian of Parliamentary Privileges<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker safeguards the privileges of the members and the dignity of the house, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with respect and integrity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bridge between House and Government<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker represents the collective voice of the Lok Sabha. He\/she acts as a bridge between the members and the government, ensuring that the concerns of the members are addressed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Symbol of Authority<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker symbolizes the authority of the Lok Sabha and is responsible for upholding the sanctity of the parliamentary institution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a8c5930f0095bb7de3fd7c4a2f46d494\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Provisions_ensuring_Independence_Impartiality_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Provisions ensuring Independence &amp; Impartiality of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being vested with great powers and responsibilities, it is pertinent to ensure the independence and impartiality of the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha. The Constitution and other rules make the following provisions in this regard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker is provided with <strong>security of tenure <\/strong>and can be removed only as per the provisions made in the Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>salaries and allowances<\/strong> of the Speaker are fixed by Parliament.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They are <strong>charged on the Consolidated Fund of India<\/strong> and thus are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>work and conduct<\/strong> of the Speaker<strong> cannot be discussed and criticised <\/strong>in the Lok Sabha <strong>except on a substantive motion.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>powers of the Speaker to regulate procedures<\/strong> or conduct business or maintain order in the House are <strong>not subject to the jurisdiction of any Court.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Speaker <strong>cannot vote in the first instance<\/strong>. He\/she <strong>can only exercise a casting vote<\/strong> in the event of a tie.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This makes the position of the Speaker impartial.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Speaker has been given a <strong>very high position in the order of precedence.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He\/she is placed in seventh rank, along with the Chief Justice of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This means he\/she has a higher rank than Cabinet Ministers, except the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note<\/strong>: In <strong>Britain<\/strong>, there is a <strong>convention <\/strong>that the <strong>Speaker has to resign from his\/her party<\/strong> in order to remain politically neutral. This healthy convention is <strong>not fully established in India<\/strong>. In India, the Speaker of Lok Sabha does not resign from the membership of his\/her party on his\/her election as the Speaker.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d514a34b592786cdddc7fc7f00621401\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Factors_Hampering_Impartiality_of_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Factors Hampering Impartiality of Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common concerns and criticisms regarding the independence and impartiality of the Speaker of Lok Sabha are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Party Affiliation<\/strong> &#8211; One of the primary concerns is that the Speaker, who is usually a member of the ruling party, may exhibit bias towards their own party while conducting proceedings or making decisions in the house.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Perception of Bias<\/strong> &#8211; Even if the Speaker maintains impartiality in their actions, the perception of bias can arise due to their party affiliation, leading to doubts about the fairness of their decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fear of Biased Decision-Making<\/strong> &#8211; Critics argue that Speakers may sometimes make decisions that favour their party or government, compromising their impartiality in matters of parliamentary procedure and discipline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Misuse of Casting Vote<\/strong> &#8211; The discretionary power of the Speaker to cast a deciding vote in case of a tie raises concerns about the potential misuse of this authority to favour a particular side.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disqualification of Members<\/strong> &#8211; There have been instances where the Speaker&#8217;s decisions regarding the disqualification of members for violating anti-defection laws or other rules have been questioned for alleged bias towards or against certain political parties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Concerns w.r.t. Allocation of Time<\/strong> &#8211; The allocation of time for debates, discussions, and question hours in the Lok Sabha has sometimes been a point of contention, with opposition parties accusing the Speaker of favouring the ruling party in scheduling and managing the proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Biased Ruling on Motions<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker&#8217;s rulings on various motions, including No-Confidence Motions, Privilege Motions, and Adjournment Motions, have been criticized by opposition parties for perceived bias or lack of impartiality in interpreting parliamentary rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disciplinary Actions<\/strong> &#8211; Instances where the Speaker has taken disciplinary actions against members, such as suspensions or expulsions, have led to debates on the fairness and impartiality of such decisions, especially when they involve political considerations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Role in Debates<\/strong> &#8211; The Speaker&#8217;s role in moderating debates and ensuring a fair opportunity for all members to speak and express their views has sometimes been questioned for alleged partiality in controlling the flow of discussions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Handling of Protests<\/strong> &#8211; How the Speaker handles disruptions, protests, and walkouts in the Lok Sabha has also been a point of scrutiny, with concerns raised about bias in managing such situations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d0adc4bd9eb2e9b9b187dc32f0e06642\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a pivotal figure in the Indian parliamentary system, serving as the guardian of the Lok Sabha\u2019s powers, privileges, and democratic principles. While the office of the Speaker is endowed with significant authority and autonomy, the persistent challenges to its impartiality and fairness underscore the need for continued vigilance and adherence to the highest standards of parliamentary conduct. As the custodian of the Lok Sabha&#8217;s integrity, the Speaker must strive to rise above partisan considerations and act as an impartial arbitrator, upholding the collective interests of the members and the institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2c35df0d12cc10cde154248ce0343fad\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Speaker_Pro_Tem\"><\/span><strong>Speaker Pro Tem<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As per the Indian Constitution, the Speaker of the last Lok Sabha vacates his\/her office immediately before the first meeting of the newly-elected Lok Sabha. Therefore, the <strong>President of India appoints a member of the Lok Sabha as the Speaker Pro Tem. <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The President, <strong>usually<\/strong>, appoints <strong>the seniormost member of Parliament<\/strong> as the Speaker Pro Tem. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>President administers oath<\/strong> to the Speaker Pro Tem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-929cdfbf14aaeb97ecedbcac38d4201e\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Powers_Functions_of_Speaker_Pro_Tem\"><\/span><strong>Powers &amp; Functions of Speaker Pro Tem<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker Pro Tem has all the powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she presides over the first sitting of the newly-elected Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His\/her main duty is to administer oaths to the new members of the Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\/she also enables the House to elect the new Speaker of the Lok Sabha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Note<\/strong>: When the new Speaker is elected by the House, the office of the Speaker Pro Tem ceases to exist. Hence, the office of Speaker Pro Tem is a temporary office, which exists for a few days.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ea27f9d170e1ee5a57a36fe1dae17903\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evolution_of_Offices_of_Speaker_and_Deputy_Speaker_of_Lok_Sabha\"><\/span><strong>Evolution of Offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha trace back their <strong>origin <\/strong>to the<strong> British era.<\/strong> Major developments regarding the evolution of these two offices in India can be seen as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker <strong>originated in India in 1921<\/strong><strong>under <\/strong>the provisions of the <strong>Government of India Act of 1919<\/strong> (Montague-Chelmsford Reforms).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At that time, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker were called the President and Deputy President respectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Before 1921<\/strong>, the <strong>Governor-General of India used to preside over <\/strong>the meetings of the <strong>Central Legislative Council.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Government of India Act of 1935 changed the nomenclatures<\/strong> of the offices of the President and the Deputy President of the Central Legislative Assembly <strong>to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker respectively.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>However, the old nomenclatures<\/strong> of President and Deputy President <strong>continued till 1947 <\/strong>as the federal part of the 1935 Act was not implemented.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; <strong>In 1921<\/strong>, <strong>Frederick Whyte <\/strong>and <strong>Sachidanand Sinha <\/strong>were appointed by the Governor-General of India as the <strong>first Speaker <\/strong>(then called President)<strong> <\/strong>and the<strong> first Deputy Speaker <\/strong>(then called Deputy President) respectively <strong>of the Central Legislative Assembly.<\/strong><br>&#8211;&nbsp;<strong>In 1925<\/strong>, <strong>Vithalbhai J. Patel<\/strong> became the <strong>first Indian and the first elected Speaker<\/strong> <strong>of the Central Legislative Assembly.<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>&#8211; <strong>G.V. Mavalankar<\/strong> and <strong>Ananthasayanam Ayyangar <\/strong>had the distinction of being the <strong>first Speaker<\/strong> and the <strong>first Deputy Speaker<\/strong> (respectively) <strong>of the Lok Sabha.<\/strong><br>a. <strong>G.V. Mavalankar <\/strong>also held the post of <strong>Speaker in the Constituent Assembly (Legislative) <\/strong>as well as the <strong>Provisional Parliament.&nbsp;<\/strong><br>b. <strong>Mavalankar<\/strong> held the post of <strong>Speaker of Lok Sabha continuously for one decade<\/strong> from <strong>1946 to 1956.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the Presiding Officer of the highest Panchayat of the country, the Speaker of Lok Sabha holds a pivotal position in the Indian parliamentary system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":8735,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-polity"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8725"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8725\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8855,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8725\/revisions\/8855"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}