The Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India holds a crucial position with constitutional significance. The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), which is the lower house of the Parliament of India. The constitutional status and role of the Lok Sabha Speaker are defined by the Constitution of India.
Constitutional Provisions:
Article 93: Election of Speaker:
Article 93 of the Constitution deals with the election of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. It states that the Lok Sabha shall, as soon as possible after its first meeting and before any other business, choose two members to be the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
Article 94: Speaker’s Term of Office:
Article 94 provides for the term of office of the Speaker. The Speaker holds office until a new Lok Sabha is constituted following a general election.
Article 95: Deputy Speaker:
Article 95 deals with the election of the Deputy Speaker. It states that the Lok Sabha shall choose a member as Deputy Speaker from amongst its members.
Article 96: Removal of Speaker and Deputy Speaker:
Article 96 outlines the procedure for the removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. The Speaker or Deputy Speaker may be removed from office by a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha.
Role and Functions:
Presiding Over Sessions:
The primary function of the Speaker is to preside over the meetings and sessions of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker ensures that parliamentary procedures are followed, maintains order, and allows members to participate in debates.
Casting Vote:
The Speaker has a casting vote in case of a tie on any matter being voted upon in the Lok Sabha. This vote is exercised in addition to the Speaker’s original vote.
Decision on Points of Order:
The Speaker decides on points of order raised by members, interprets parliamentary rules, and maintains discipline within the house.
Constitutional Duties:
The Speaker performs certain constitutional duties, such as addressing joint sittings of both houses, communicating messages from the President to the Lok Sabha, and certifying money bills.
Committee on Privileges:
The Speaker presides over the Committee of Privileges, which examines matters related to the privileges of members and breaches thereof.
Committee on Rules:
The Speaker is the ex-officio chairman of the Committee on Rules, which deals with matters related to the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Lok Sabha.
Representation of the House:
The Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President of India, the Council of Ministers, and other authorities, both within and outside India.
Independence and Impartiality:
Non-Partisan Role:
The Speaker is expected to maintain impartiality and act in a non-partisan manner. While elected from among the members of a political party, the Speaker is required to sever ties with their party upon assuming the office.
Resignation from Party:
Upon assuming the office of the Speaker, the individual is expected to resign from their political party and remain impartial in the conduct of their duties.
Conclusion:
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India holds a constitutionally defined position with specific powers and responsibilities. The role of the Speaker is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings, maintaining order, and upholding the principles of democracy and constitutional governance. The Speaker’s impartiality and independence are vital for the effective functioning of the Lok Sabha and the preservation of parliamentary traditions.
