Q. With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
1.The Speaker protects the rights and privileges of the members of the House.
2.In the event of a tie during a vote in the House, the Speaker has the authority to adjourn the session.
3.The work and conduct of the Speaker cannot be discussed or criticized in the Lok Sabha except on a substantive motion.
4.The Speaker is the final interpreter of the Constitution within the House.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. The Speaker is responsible for safeguarding the rights and privileges of the members of the Lok Sabha, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are conducted smoothly and fairly. The work and conduct of the Speaker cannot be discussed or criticized in the Lok Sabha except on a substantive motion, which is intended to safeguard the independence and impartiality of the office. The Speaker is the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure, and the Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
Statement 2 is incorrect. In the event of a tie during a vote in the House, the Speaker does not adjourn the session but instead exercises a casting vote to break the deadlock.
Source: The Hindu

