Lok Sabha Speaker for UPSC CSE Preparation

1. Introduction to the Lok Sabha Speaker

The Lok Sabha Speaker holds a pivotal role as the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament. This position is established under Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its constitutional significance. The Speaker's authority and neutrality are crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the house, making this office essential for the functioning of the Indian parliamentary system​​.

2. Constitutional and Legal Provisions

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution

• Election: Specifies that the Lok Sabha shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the house to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker​​.

Other Relevant Articles

• Article 94: Concerns the vacation and removal of, and the resignation from, the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
• Article 95: Discusses the powers of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker.
• Article 96: Allows the Speaker or Deputy Speaker to preside over the Lok Sabha even when a resolution for his/her removal from office is under consideration​​.

3. Election and Tenure of the Lok Sabha Speaker

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the house from among its members. The process is typically initiated by the ruling party's nomination and is confirmed by a majority vote of the members. Once elected, the Speaker generally relinquishes all party affiliations to ensure impartiality.

• Tenure: The Speaker holds office from the date of his/her election until immediately before the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the dissolution of the one to which he/she was elected, unless he/she resigns earlier or is otherwise removed​​.
• Re-election: The Speaker can be re-elected if he/she recontests and wins in the general elections.

4. Powers and Functions of the Lok Sabha Speaker

Legislative Powers

• Presiding Officer: Controls all proceedings of the house and ensures compliance with the rules. The Speaker decides on the admissibility of questions and motions and can discipline members for unruly behavior.
• Money Bill Certification: Has the final authority to decide whether a Bill is a Money Bill, thus influencing its legislative journey​​.

Administrative Powers

• Parliamentary Committees: The Speaker appoints the chairpersons of all parliamentary committees and supervises their functioning.
• Speaker Pro Tem: Before the new Speaker is elected, the President appoints a Speaker Pro Tem, usually the senior-most member of the House, to preside over the sessions​​.

Judicial Powers

• Casting Vote: In case of a tie in votes on any matter, the Speaker exercises a casting vote to resolve the deadlock.
• Role in Disqualification: Decides on questions of disqualification of members of the Lok Sabha under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution​​.

5. Removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker

The Speaker can be removed from office by a resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by an absolute majority of its total membership. Such a resolution can be moved only after giving at least 14 days' notice. The Speaker has the right to participate in the proceedings of the motion but cannot vote unless there is an equality of votes​​.

6. Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

The Deputy Speaker, also elected by the Lok Sabha, performs the duties of the Speaker when the office is vacant or when the Speaker is absent from the sitting of the House. The Deputy Speaker has similar powers when presiding over the house and can also vote in the first instance when presiding, unlike the Speaker who votes only in the case of a tie​​.

7. Importance for UPSC

Understanding the role, powers, and functions of the Lok Sabha Speaker is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as it forms an integral part of the polity and governance syllabus. Questions related to this topic can appear in both prelims and mains, where a clear understanding of the constitutional provisions and practical aspects of the Speaker's responsibilities can provide an edge.

Conclusion

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is more than just a ceremonial head; he/she is a crucial cog in the legislative and administrative machinery of Indian democracy. The office not only upholds the dignity and privilege of the House but also ensures that the parliamentary proceedings are conducted in accordance with the rules and traditions, maintaining the parliamentary decorum and facilitating effective policymaking.

Practice MCQs on the Lok Sabha Speaker for UPSC Preparation

Question 1:

Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the provision for the Lok Sabha Speaker mentioned?

A) Article 92

B) Article 93

C) Article 94

D) Article 95

Answer: B) Article 93

Explanation: Article 93 of the Indian Constitution specifies that the Lok Sabha shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the house to serve as its Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively​​

Question 2:

What is the role of the Lok Sabha Speaker in the context of a Money Bill?

A) Decides whether a bill is a Money Bill

B) Introduces Money Bills in the Lok Sabha

C) Amends Money Bills after presentation

D) Votes on Money Bills in all circumstances

Answer: A) Decides whether a bill is a Money Bill

Explanation: One of the key roles of the Lok Sabha Speaker is to certify whether a proposed bill is a Money Bill. This decision is crucial as it determines the legislative process the bill will follow, especially its handling by the Rajya Sabha​​

Question 3:

Which of the following statements is true about the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker?

A) The Speaker can be removed by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

B) The Speaker is removed by the President at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

C) The Speaker can only be removed by a resolution passed by an absolute majority of the total membership of the House.

D) The Speaker automatically resigns upon the dissolution of Lok Sabha.

Answer: C) The Speaker can only be removed by a resolution passed by an absolute majority of the total membership of the House

Explanation: The Lok Sabha Speaker can be removed from office by a resolution of the house passed by an absolute majority of its total membership, not just by those present and voting. This provides a higher threshold for removal, reflecting the importance of the position​​.

Question 4:

Who presides over the Lok Sabha if the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are both unavailable?

A) The Prime Minister

B) The President of India

C) A member appointed by the President

D) The senior-most member of the Lok Sabha

Answer: C) A member appointed by the President

Explanation: In the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, the duties of the office are performed by a member of the Lok Sabha appointed by the President. This position is often referred to as the Speaker Pro Tem​​.

Question 5:

What happens to the office of the Speaker when the Lok Sabha is dissolved?

A) The Speaker's office is automatically vacated.

B) The Speaker continues in office until the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha.

C) The Speaker must resign immediately upon dissolution.

D) The Deputy Speaker becomes the acting Speaker.

Answer: B) The Speaker continues in office until the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha

Explanation: Unlike the members of the Lok Sabha, the Speaker does not vacate his office upon the dissolution of the House. The Speaker continues to hold office until immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha, ensuring continuity in the parliamentary process​​.

UPSC Mains Practice Question on Lok Sabha Speaker

Question:

"Given the extensive array of powers and responsibilities of the Lok Sabha Speaker, there is an ongoing debate about the neutrality and impartiality of this position. Critically examine this statement, reflecting on the challenges the Speaker faces in maintaining neutrality while managing the legislative business effectively."

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Begin by defining the role of the Lok Sabha Speaker as outlined in Article 93 of the Indian Constitution. Introduce the Speaker as the presiding officer of the lower house, responsible for overseeing the proceedings and maintaining order and decorum within the House.

Body:

1. Powers of the Lok Sabha Speaker:

• Legislative Role: Elaborate on the Speaker’s powers to regulate the proceedings of the house, decide on the admissibility of questions, and the ability to certify Money Bills, which significantly impacts the legislative agenda.
• Judicial Role: Discuss the Speaker's authority in matters such as disqualification of members under the anti-defection law, which adds a judicial dimension to the role.

2. Challenges in Maintaining Neutrality:

• Political Background: The Speaker, although expected to be neutral, is usually from the ruling party, which can lead to perceptions of bias. Discuss specific instances where decisions could be seen as favoring the ruling government.
• Discretionary Powers: The extensive discretionary powers, such as deciding whether a bill is a Money Bill or ruling on procedural issues without a formal vote, can sometimes lead to controversies and allegations of partiality.

3. Ensuring Neutrality:

• Procedural Safeguards: Highlight the mechanisms within the parliamentary rules designed to ensure neutrality, such as the requirement for decisions to be taken by consensus or according to established rules.
• Historical Precedents: Cite examples from the past where Speakers have made decisions that went against their own party lines, reinforcing the potential for neutrality.

4. Impact of Partisanship:

• Legislative Efficiency vs. Fairness: Argue how partisanship can sometimes lead to efficient handling of the government’s legislative agenda but may compromise the fairness expected in a diverse parliamentary democracy.
• Public Perception and Trust: Discuss how perceptions of bias or lack of neutrality can affect public trust in the parliamentary process, highlighting the importance of the Speaker’s role in upholding democratic norms.

Conclusion:

• Conclude by reiterating the importance of the Lok Sabha Speaker in the functioning of the parliament and the need for this office to balance effectively between facilitating the legislative agenda and maintaining impartiality to uphold the sanctity of the position.
• Suggest reforms or measures that could strengthen the neutrality of the office, such as clearer criteria for rulings and enhanced transparency in procedural decisions.

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