GS-2Polity
1.Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha (Deputy Speaker)
The HinduArticle 93 · Lok Sabha · Opposition convention
What & Where
Constitutional post; Lok Sabha elects a Deputy Speaker from its members.
Article 93: election “as soon as may be” after House meets.
17th & 18th Lok Sabhas yet to fill the post, breaking post-1956 convention.
Quick Facts for MCQs
Constitutional Mandate
- Phrase “as soon as may be” undefined; courts treat as mandatory yet flexible.
- Vacancy beyond initial session viewed as constitutional non-compliance.
Powers & Functions
- Presiding: Chairs sittings in Speaker’s absence ensuring quorum and order.
- Casting-vote: Breaks deadlock; otherwise no regular vote while in chair.
- Committee-head: Automatically leads committees when nominated.
Parliamentary Convention
- Opposition occupancy nurtures bipartisan trust since 1956; broken in 2014-24.
- Speaker from ruling party, Deputy from Opposition mirrors UK Westminster norm.
Implications of Vacancy
- Continuity gap: No designated presiding officer if Speaker suddenly vacates.
- Power centralisation: Procedural authority monopolised by Speaker alone.
- Credibility loss: Signals disregard for parliamentary customs, weakens opposition voice.
Reform Ideas
- Amend Art. 93: mandate election within 60 days of first sitting.
- Trigger clause: President may direct election on Cabinet advice if delay persists.
- Rulebook change: Fix statutory timeline; codify Opposition entitlement.
Key Data Points
| Feature | Data-Point |
|---|---|
| Constitutional article | Art. 93 |
| Electorate | Whole Lok Sabha |
| Election timing | Date fixed by Speaker after own election |
| Removal process | Resolution passed by Lok Sabha majority |
| Voting right when presiding | Casting vote only on a tie |
| Usual party practice | Post offered to Opposition (not mandatory) |
| Hierarchical status | Not subordinate to Speaker; answerable to House |
| Committee role | Becomes chair if appointed to any parliamentary committee |
| First Deputy Speaker | M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar (1952) |
| Emergency example | Ayyangar ran House after Speaker Mavalankar’s death, 1956 |
Related UPSC Prelims PYQs
CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 1
With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2
Which one of the following statements about the Speaker of Lok Sabha is not correct?
