Constitutional Basis
The office of the Speaker is provided under Article 93 of the Constitution of India, which mandates that the Lok Sabha shall choose two members to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha and occupies a position of high authority and dignity in India’s parliamentary system.
Election and Tenure
Election
- The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves.
- The election is conducted after the first sitting of a newly constituted House.
Tenure
- The Speaker remains in office until immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha.
- He or she may resign to the Deputy Speaker.
- Removal is possible through a resolution passed by an effective majority under Article 94.
Role and Powers
Presiding Authority
- Conducts proceedings of the House.
- Maintains order and decorum.
- Decides who may speak and ensures adherence to rules.
Legislative Powers
- Certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill under Article 110; this decision is final.
- Decides on admissibility of motions, questions, and resolutions.
- Refers bills to parliamentary committees.
Disciplinary Powers
- Can suspend members for disorderly conduct.
- Can adjourn or suspend sittings in case of grave disorder.
Quasi-Judicial Powers
- Decides on disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).
- These decisions are subject to judicial review.
Administrative Powers
- Heads the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
- Controls allocation of time for discussions.
- Presides over joint sittings of Parliament under Article 108.
Position and Status
- The Speaker ranks high in the order of precedence in India.
- Expected to act impartially, even though elected from a political party.
- By convention, the Speaker resigns from party positions after election.
Significance
- Ensures smooth functioning of parliamentary democracy.
- Acts as guardian of the rights and privileges of members.
- Protects the autonomy and dignity of the House.
- Plays a key role in maintaining balance between majority rule and minority rights.
Challenges
- Allegations of partisanship in certain situations.
- Delays in deciding anti-defection cases.
- Managing disruptions in an increasingly polarized political environment.
Conclusion
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is central to India’s parliamentary democracy. As the custodian of House proceedings and interpreter of parliamentary rules, the Speaker’s impartiality and integrity are essential for maintaining democratic legitimacy and legislative efficiency.
