The Position of Lok Sabha Speaker
The Lok Sabha Speaker occupies a pivotal position within India's parliamentary democracy. As the presiding officer of the lower house of the Indian Parliament, the Speaker is endowed with a range of critical powers and responsibilities that are essential for the smooth functioning of the legislative process. The Speaker is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day business and proceedings of the Lok Sabha, ensuring discipline and decorum among the members.
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They are the ultimate authority on interpreting the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, and parliamentary conventions. Their rulings on such matters are binding on the House. The Speaker also plays a crucial role in deciding the admissibility of questions, motions, bills, and other items of business, and can even expunge remarks from the record that are considered unparliamentary.
Powers and Role of Lok Sabha Speaker
1. Leading the House - The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, responsible for managing the day-to-day business and proceedings of the House.
2. Interpreting Rules and Procedures - The Speaker is the ultimate authority on interpreting the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Lok Sabha, and parliamentary precedents. The Speaker's rulings on such matters are binding.
3. Admitting and Disallowing Agenda Items - The Speaker has the power to decide on the admissibility of questions, motions, and other items of business. The Speaker can also remove remarks from the record that are considered unparliamentary.
4. Determining Voting Procedures - The Speaker can choose to hold a voice vote instead of a recorded vote if they feel a division is "unnecessarily claimed". This allows the Speaker to push through legislation when the government lacks numbers.
5. Casting Decisive Votes - The Speaker has a casting vote in case of a tie during voting in the House.
6. Presiding Over Joint Sessions - In the Speaker's absence, the Deputy Speaker presides over joint sessions of both Houses of Parliament.
7. Disqualifying Members - The Speaker has the power to disqualify members of the Lok Sabha on grounds of defection.
How is the Lok Sabha Speaker Elected?
The process of electing the Lok Sabha Speaker involves choosing a member from the lower house of the Indian Parliament. Seniority, experience, and impartiality are crucial factors in the selection of the Speaker, and any Lok Sabha member can be nominated for the position.
- The President sets
the election date for the Speaker and also announces the initial Lok Sabha
meeting. Normally, the candidate's name is suggested by either the Prime
Minister or the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, although other members have
the option to make their own nominations as well. When only one name is
suggested, the Speaker is chosen automatically with no formal voting process.
Nevertheless, if there are several candidates running, a confidential vote is
carried out among the Lok Sabha members.
- The individual who
receives the most votes is chosen as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. It is worth
noting that every Speaker in India post-independence has been elected without
any opposition, indicating a level of agreement among political parties. The Speaker
remains in office until the Lok Sabha is dissolved, unless they step down or
are ousted by a resolution supported by a majority of all members.
- The significance of the Lok Sabha Speaker in India's parliamentary democracy is highlighted by the electoral process, which focuses on impartiality and consensus-building. The Speaker is required to carry out their responsibilities with impartiality and fairness, while also maintaining the respect and power of the lower house of the Indian Parliament.
Article 93 and 94 of Indian Constitution
According to Article 93, the House of the People must promptly select two members to serve as Speaker and Deputy Speaker. If the positions become empty, the House must choose new members to fill them.
Article 94 explains that if a Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of the People no longer holds a seat in the House, they must vacate their position. They can also resign by submitting a written letter to the Deputy Speaker or Secretary of the House, and can be removed by a majority resolution of the House.
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