Q. Consider the following statements with reference to Speaker of Lok Sabha
1. S/he can resign by writing to the President of India.
2. When a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration of the House, s/he can preside at the sitting of the House but cannot vote.
3. S/he is the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution of India within the House.
4. S/he is placed along with the Chief Justice of India in the Order of Precedence.
How many of the above given statements are correct?
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Usually, the Speaker remains in office during the life of the Lok Sabha. However, he has to vacate his office earlier in any of the following three cases:
- if he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha;
- if he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker; (and not to the President)
- Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.
Statement 2 is incorrect: When a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration of the House, he cannot preside at the sitting of the House, though he may be present. However, he can speak and take part in the proceedings of the House at such a time and vote in the first instance, though not in the case of an equality of votes.
Statement 3 is correct: The Supreme Court is the final authority for the interpretation of the Constitution. The Speaker is also the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution of India but only within the house.
Statement 4 is correct: He is given a very high position in the order of precedence. He is placed at seventh rank, along with the Chief Justice of India. He has a higher rank than all cabinet ministers, except the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister.
| Important Tips The institutions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker originated in India in 1921 under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919 Article 93 of the Constitution provides for the office of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. The Speaker is the head of the Lok Sabha and its representative. He is the guardian of the powers and privileges of the members. He is the principal spokesman of the House, and his decision in all Parliamentary matters is final. |
