Speaker
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the constitutional and functional head of the Lower House of the Indian Parliament.
- Responsible for ensuring orderly functioning, enforcing rules of procedure, and maintaining neutrality in the House.
- Derived from Article 93 of the Indian Constitution.
📝 PYQ (BPSC 66th): Who presides over Lok Sabha meetings? → Speaker
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 93: The House of the People shall, as soon as may be, choose two members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- Article 110: Speaker certifies a Money Bill.
- Tenth Schedule: Speaker decides on disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.
Election of the Speaker
- Elected in the first sitting of the newly constituted Lok Sabha.
- Must be a member of the Lok Sabha.
- Nominated by parties but chosen by a majority vote of the members present and voting.
Eligibility
- Indian citizen
- At least 25 years of age
- Member of Lok Sabha
Tenure and Removal
- Holds office until the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
- Continues even after dissolution until the new Lok Sabha elects a new Speaker.
- Can resign by writing to the Deputy Speaker.
- Can be removed by a resolution passed by an effective majority (majority of the total membership of the House).
📝 Expected MCQ: What kind of majority is required to remove the Speaker? → Effective majority
Powers and Functions – In Detail
1. Legislative Powers
- Decides which member will speak.
- Maintains order and decorum.
- Can suspend members for disorderly conduct.
- Decides on admissibility of motions, resolutions, and questions.
- Refers bills to Parliamentary Committees.
2. Financial Powers
- Decides whether a bill is a Money Bill (Article 110).
- Decision is final, binding, and not subject to judicial review.
📝 PYQ (BPSC 67th): Who decides a bill as Money Bill? → Speaker
3. Administrative and Procedural Powers
- Final authority in interpreting Rules of Procedure.
- Chairs the Business Advisory Committee and other key House committees.
- Allocates time for debates, motions, and bills.
4. Judicial/Quasi-Judicial Powers
- Tenth Schedule: Decides on matters of disqualification due to defection.
- Decision subject to judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan case, 1992).
5. Electoral Powers
- Oversees joint sitting of Parliament (if Speaker of Lok Sabha presides).
- Plays a key role during the Presidential elections (votes in capacity as MP).
Deputy Speaker
- Elected after the Speaker, also from Lok Sabha.
- Presides in Speaker’s absence.
- Has similar powers and responsibilities.
📝 PYQ (BPSC 64th): Who presides in absence of Speaker? → Deputy Speaker
Role During Joint Sitting
- In case of deadlock between the two Houses (Article 108), Speaker presides over the joint session of Parliament.
Speaker’s Importance in Parliamentary Democracy
- Symbol of Lok Sabha’s authority.
- Ensures neutral functioning, rising above party lines.
- Maintains the dignity of Parliament.
- Controls the functioning of question hour, motions, and debates.
Bihar’s Contribution to Speakership
- Meira Kumar (2009–2014): First woman Speaker; from Sasaram, Bihar
- Baliram Bhagat: Served as Speaker (1976–1977); also from Bihar
- Other prominent MPs from Bihar have chaired key committees under the Speaker’s nomination.
Challenges and Reforms Needed
- Increasing disruptions reduce Speaker’s effectiveness.
- Demands for:
- Greater protection of Speaker's neutrality
- Reforms in removal process (less political)
- Codified standards for anti-defection rulings
📝 Expected MCQ: Who has the final say in disqualification under Tenth Schedule? → Speaker of Lok Sabha
Recent Development
- Om Birla is the current Speaker of Lok Sabha (elected in 2019).
- Played key role in digitalisation of proceedings and streamlining productivity in Lok Sabha.
Quick Revision Points
- Speaker: Head of Lok Sabha; elected by MPs
- Tenure: 5 years or until new Speaker elected
- Powers: Presiding officer, money bill, anti-defection, committee head
- Article 93: Provision of Speaker
- Article 110: Money Bill decision
- Meira Kumar (Bihar): First woman Speaker
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 11 Political Science – Indian Constitution at Work
- Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
- PRS Legislative Research
- Lucent GK – Indian Polity Section
- Ghatna Chakra & Vision 365 – BPSC PYQ Sets
- Official Lok Sabha Website (2024 Update)