Lok Sabha to Debate Resolution on the Removal of Speaker

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Context

• The Lok Sabha is likely to take up the notice to move a resolution to remove Lok Sabha speaker from office for allegedly acting in a ‘blatantly partisan’ manner.
  • Three Lok Sabha Speakers, G. V. Mavlankar (1954), Hukam Singh (1966), and Balram Jakhar (1987) faced such resolutions, though none of them passed.

Speaker of Lok Sabha

• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, responsible for maintaining order and conducting the proceedings of the House.
• Election: The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves.
  • The election takes place after the general elections when the new Lok Sabha meets for the first time.
  • The Speaker remains in office until the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, unless he/she resigns or is removed.
• Removal: The Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha.
  • 14 days’ notice is required before moving the resolution.
  • When the resolution for removal is under consideration, the Speaker cannot preside over the sitting.
  • The meeting is presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha or another member of the House.
• Right of the Speaker: The Speaker can participate in the debate and defend himself/herself during the discussion on the removal resolution.
  • The Speaker can vote in the first instance on the resolution but cannot exercise a casting vote in this case.
• Tenure: The Speaker continues in office even after the Lok Sabha is dissolved until the new Lok Sabha elects a Speaker.

Powers and Functions

• Presiding Powers: Presides over the sittings of the Lok Sabha.
  • Maintains discipline and order in the House.
  • Decides who will speak and for how long.
• Administrative Powers: Heads the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
  • Appoints the chairpersons of various parliamentary committees.
• Legislative Powers: Decides whether a bill is a Money Bill.
  • Allows motions, resolutions, and questions.
• Disciplinary Powers: Can suspend or expel members for disorderly conduct.
  • Can adjourn or suspend the sitting due to lack of quorum or disorder.
• Casting Vote: The Speaker does not vote in the first instance, but can exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.
• Anti-Defection Role: Decides disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Constitutional Articles

• Article 93 of the Constitution mandates that the Lok Sabha must choose two of its members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be”.
• Article 94 of the Constitution outlines the procedures for the vacation, resignation, and removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
• Article 95 of the Constitution ensures continuity in the Lok Sabha by empowering the Deputy Speaker to perform the Speaker’s duties when that office is vacant or when the Speaker is absent.
• Article 110 of the Constitution defines a “Money Bill,” restricting it to financial matters such as taxation, government borrowing, or expenditure from the Consolidated/Contingency Fund.
  • These bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha with the President’s recommendation, and the Speaker’s certification is final.

Source: TH