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News: The position of the Deputy Speaker has been lying vacant for the last six years raising questions on constitutional adherence and democratic resilience. Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.
About Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
Constitutional provisions
- Article 93: The House of the People (Lok Sabha) is required to elect two members as Speaker and Deputy Speaker whenever these offices become vacant.
- The article does not specify a time frame for this election but uses the phrase “as soon as may be”.
- Article 94: It provides the procedures for the vacation, resignation and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of People or Lok Sabha.
- Article 95(1): The Deputy Speaker performs the Speaker’s duties when the Speaker’s post is vacant and exercises the same powers while presiding over the House.
- Article 178: This article provides the corresponding requirement for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of a State’s Legislative Assembly.
Election of Deputy Speaker
- According to Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, it is mandatory to elect a Deputy Speaker.
- Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha: The election of the Deputy Speaker is held on a date fixed by the Speaker.
Position of Deputy Speaker
- The Deputy Speaker is the second-highest authority in the Lok Sabha after the Speaker.
- The Deputy Speaker is not subordinate to the Speaker but is directly responsible to the Lok Sabha.
- However, when the Speaker is presiding, the Deputy Speaker functions as a regular member of the House.
- By convention (developed after 11th Lok Sabha), the Deputy Speaker is elected from opposition political party — to promote non-partisan functioning (it is not a constitutional requirement).
