Pro-tem Speaker

Source– This post on Pro-tem Speaker has been created based on the article Who is the pro-tem Speaker of Lok Sabha and how is an MP chosen for the role?  published in “The Indian Express” on 19 June 2024.

Why in the news?

The 18th Lok Sabha will hold its first session from June 24 to July 3, with the election of the new Speaker scheduled for June 26. Congress leader Kodikunnil Suresh, the seniormost member, is expected to be appointed as the pro-tem Speaker to swear in the new MPs.

About Pro-tem Speaker

1. Pro-tem Speaker is a temporary Speaker appointed to perform certain duties until a new Speaker is elected. The term “Pro-tem” means “for the time being” or “temporarily.”

2.  The Constitution does not explicitly mention the post of Pro-tem Speaker. The official ‘Handbook on the Working of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ outlines the ‘Appointment and Swearing in of Speaker pro tem.’

Selection of the Pro-tem Speaker

1. When the Speaker post is vacant before a new Lok Sabha, the duties are assigned to a Member of the House appointed by the President as the Pro-tem Speaker.

2. Normally, the senior-most members of the Lok Sabha (based on years of membership) are chosen. Although there can be exceptions.

3. After the new government is formed, the Legislative Section prepares a list of the senior-most Lok Sabha members. The list is submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Prime Minister for identifying the Pro-tem Speaker and three other members for administering oaths.

4. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs obtains the consent of the selected members. A note is then submitted to the President for approval of the appointments and the date and time of the swearing-in ceremony.

5.  Once approved by the President, the Ministry informs the Pro-tem Speaker and the other three members about their appointments.

Duties of Pro tem speaker

1. Administering Oaths to New MPs: The primary duty is to administer the oath or affirmation to newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs). Under Article 99 of the Constitution, every Member must make and subscribe to an oath before the President or a person appointed by him.

2. Oath Administration by Other Members: Three other elected members are also appointed by the President for MPs to take oath before them. These members are generally senior-most members of the Lok Sabha.

3. Swearing-in Ceremony: The President administers the oath to the Pro-tem Speaker at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. He/she then administers the oath to the other three members in the Lok Sabha.

4. Session Timing:  The swearing-in of the Pro-tem Speaker usually takes place at 9:30 am on the same day the Lok Sabha session starts. The Lok Sabha’s timing typically begins at 11 am, subject to the President’s convenience.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation