Election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Why in News Election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha? 

Recently, ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, opposition leaders have demanded the initiation of the election process for the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha, which has been vacant for the last six years.

Introduction of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Under Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, it is mandatory for the Lok Sabha to elect both a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker. 
• This provision ensures that in the absence or incapacity of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker can perform the Speaker’s responsibilities, thereby preventing any disruption in the legislative process.
• The post of Deputy Speaker plays a supportive role, it is also vested with independent constitutional authority. 
• When the Speaker is absent, it is the Deputy Speaker who presides over the sessions, thereby ensuring that the functioning of Parliament is not person-dependent.
• The Deputy Speaker is elected from a party not in power, allowing for democratic balance and impartiality in proceedings. 
• In the current climate, where frequent disruptions and political deadlocks affect the working of Parliament, the relevance of the Deputy Speaker has increased significantly.

Election and Resignation of the Deputy Speaker

• Notification: The process of electing the Deputy Speaker begins only after the Speaker has been elected. The Speaker decides when the Deputy Speaker election will take place.
• Nomination: Members of Parliament can nominate candidates either on behalf of their party or independently. The entire process is governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
• Majority Vote: Only current Lok Sabha members are eligible to be elected as Deputy Speaker. There is no need for a special or qualified majority. 
  • Winning requires just a simple majority of votes from members present during voting.
• Parliamentary Convention: While not constitutionally mandated, there is a long-standing parliamentary tradition to offer the Deputy Speaker’s position to a member of the Opposition. This has been followed under various governments, reinforcing the role’s impartiality.
• Oath: The Deputy Speaker takes the same oath as any other MP—no special oath is needed.
  • The same oath as prescribed under the Third Schedule, is considered sufficient for assuming this post.
• Tenure: The Deputy Speaker remains in office as long as the Lok Sabha exists, unless removed sooner.
  • They can also be re-elected. Once the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Deputy Speaker’s office automatically ceases.
• Resignation and Removal: The Deputy Speaker may vacate office before the end of their term under the following conditions:

• Losing Lok Sabha membership.
• They resign in writing to the Speaker.
• They are removed by an absolute majority of the total membership of the Lok Sabha, with a 14-day prior notice for the resolution.

Powers and Functions of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Ensuring Continuity: The primary duty of the Deputy Speaker is to ensure the smooth and continuous conduct of Lok Sabha proceedings, especially in the absence of the Speaker. They are responsible for upholding rules and procedures in alignment with the Constitution.
• Acting as the Speaker: In situations where the Speaker’s post is vacant or the Speaker is unable to perform duties, the Deputy Speaker assumes full responsibilities, including presiding over joint sittings of both Houses called by the President.
• Voting Authority: When functioning as the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker does not vote in regular circumstances. If votes are tied, the Deputy Speaker can cast the deciding vote to resolve the deadlock.
• Independent Status: The Deputy Speaker is not subordinate to the Speaker. This role functions independently and is directly accountable to the Lok Sabha. When not presiding over sessions, the Deputy Speaker may participate in debates, ask questions, and vote like any other regular MP.
• Role in Committees: If the Deputy Speaker is appointed to any parliamentary committee, they automatically become the chairperson of that committee. For instance, they are usually a member of the Rules Committee, which oversees the procedures and functioning of the House.
• Political Neutrality: Once elected, the Deputy Speaker is expected to maintain neutrality and distance from party politics. The role demands fairness and impartiality, preserving the sanctity of parliamentary deliberations and boosting public trust in the system.

History of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Beginning:

• • The origin of the post of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha can be traced back to the British colonial era, under the Government of India Act, 1919. 
  • This legislation laid the foundation for the creation of the Central Legislative Assembly, and to facilitate its functioning, the roles of President and Deputy President were introduced.
  • In 1921, Sachidanand Sinha was appointed as the first Deputy President, marking a historic moment as he became the first Indian to occupy this office.
• Reorganization:
  • With India gaining independence on 15 August 1947, a comprehensive restructuring of democratic institutions began. 
  • The adoption of the Indian Constitution led to the formal establishment of the first Lok Sabha in 1952.
  • In this newly formed democratic body, M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar emerged as the first elected Deputy Speaker of independent India.
• Participation:
  • Throughout different political eras, the office of the Deputy Speaker has been actively upheld. During the following periods —
    • UPA-I (2004–09)
    • UPA-II (2009–14)
    • Vajpayee Government (1999–2004)
    • P.V. Narasimha Rao Government (1991–96)
  • The Deputy Speaker was consistently chosen from the Opposition benches.  convention.
• Current Status:
  • In contrast, recent years have witnessed a visible deviation from this long-standing tradition.
  • Since 2019, the Deputy Speaker’s position in the Lok Sabha has remained vacant, sparking concern.