Role of Speaker in Indian Parliament

 

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The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer and the highest authority of the Lok Sabha the lower house of the Parliament of India. 

The speaker is elected generally in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha following general elections. The speaker is chosen from sitting members of the Lok Sabha who serves for a term of five years.

Election of the Speaker:

• Although there are no specific qualifications prescribed for being elected the Speaker, an understanding of the Constitution and the laws of the country is considered a major asset for the holder of the Office of the Speaker.
• Usually, a member belonging to the ruling party is elected Speaker. The process has evolved over the years where the ruling party nominates its candidate after informal consultations with leaders of other parties and groups in the House.
• This convention ensures that once elected, the Speaker enjoys the respect of all sections of the House.
• Voting: The Speaker (along with the Deputy Speaker) is elected from among the Lok Sabha members by a simple majority of members present and voting in the House.
• Once a decision on the candidate is taken, his/her name is normally proposed by the Prime Minister or the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
• Term of Office of the Speaker: The Speaker holds Office from the date of his/her election till immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha (for 5 years).

Role and Power of Speaker:

• He/She is the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution of India, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha and the parliamentary precedents, within the House.
• Joint Sitting of Both Houses: He/She presides over a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
• Adjournment of Sitting: He/She can adjourn the House or suspend the meeting in absence one-tenth of the total strength of the House (called the quorum).
• Casting Vote: The speaker does not vote in the first instance but in the case of a tie; when the House is divided equally on any question, the Speaker is entitled to vote.
• Such a vote is called a Casting Vote, and its purpose is to resolve a deadlock.
• Money Bill: He/She decides whether a bill is a money bill or not and his/her decision on this question is final.
• Disqualifying Members: It is the speaker who decides the questions of disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha, arising on the ground of defection under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule.

Removal of Speaker:

• If he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
• If he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker.
• If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha.

Written by: Gopal Prasad

Edited by: Gourav Chowdhury