Q.3) Discuss the role of speaker of Lok of sabha in ensuring Parliamentary democracy in India.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has been given a very important place in the Constitution of India as he plays a key role in functioning of the democracy :-

1) He conducts the business in the Lok Sabha like passing of bills, formation of committees etc.

2) Holding the Government accountable for their work.

3) Guardian of the power and privileges of MP’s

4) Judicial powers under Anti Defection act.

However, The role Speaker has come under scrutiny due to the allegations of him being acting on behest of the party instead of acting bipartisanly especially on the matters like Defection.

Following things can be done to increase the reputation of Speaker and removing such doubts among other political parties :-

1) He can be asked to resign from the party after being elected as Speaker like in Westminster system followed in England.

2) Speakers can be barred from future political office except the post of President.

3) Creating a manual for the Office of speaker which can curtail his discretionary powers like Speaker can only decide on the matter of defection after the case has been examined by Supreme Court or a Joint Parliamentry Committee.

People’s faith in the office of Speaker is really important for our Democracy, therefore necessary steps should be taken to instill that confidence among the general public and the opposition parties.