Lok Sabha's Deputy Speaker

A representation of parliamentary democracy is the deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha. The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the second most important legislative officer of the Lok Sabha after the Speaker and is not accountable to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Following the selection of the Speaker, the Lok Sabha elects the Deputy Speaker from among its members. The opposition party in India was granted the office of deputy speaker by the Convention.

Constitutional Rules

• The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is outlined in Article 93 of the Indian Constitution.
• The vacation, resignation, and removal from the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are all addressed under Article 94.
• Article 95 gives the Deputy Speaker or another person the authority to carry out the responsibilities of the Speaker's office or to act in the Speaker's place.
• According to Article 96, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is not permitted to preside while a resolution to remove him from office is being considered.
• The salary and benefits of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, as well as the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, are covered under Article 97.

Election of the Deputy Speaker

• The Lok Sabha itself chooses the Deputy Speaker from among its members.
• The deputy speaker is chosen concurrently with the speaker.
• The Deputy Speaker election will take place on the date that the Speaker fixes, according to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
• The opposition party in India is traditionally awarded the role of deputy speaker.

Duration of office and dismissal

• The Deputy Speaker holds the position for the whole five-year term of the Lok Sabha.
• In the following three situations, The Deputy Speaker has the option to leave earlier:

1. Upon his resignation from the Lok Sabha
2. If he notifies the Speaker of his resignation in writing
3. If a resolution to remove him from office was approved by a majority of the Lok Sabha's members at the time.
4. The deputy speaker should be notified 14 days in advance of the introduction of such a resolution.

Power and Purpose

• When the Speaker's position is unoccupied, the Deputy Speaker takes over.
• All of the Speaker's authority is transferred to the Deputy Speaker.
• When the speaker is not present, he or she also acts as the speaker of a joint session of both chambers of parliament.
• In the event of a tie, the Deputy Speaker, like the Speaker, may cast a ballot.
• The deputy speaker enjoys a distinct privilege in that he always assumes the chairmanship of any committee he is nominated to serve in the parliament.

Most Recent News

• Over the previous two years, the Lok Sabha was without a Deputy Speaker. All things considered, the Speaker has received help from a panel of MPs.
• The position has been vacant for more than two years, according to petitioner Pawan Reley.
• The matter is indeed in the spotlight when the Delhi High Court ordered the Central government to clarify its stance on a petition that alleged keeping the position of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha vacant, is a violation of Article 93 of the Constitution.

Conclusion

To maintain the neutrality and efficient operation of the Parliament, the position of Deputy Speaker is appealing. It holds a crucial place in our Parliament. Positions taken by the opposing party made the majority party-run government responsible and responsive to the needs of the nation.