Why in the News?
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not just a symbolic position but an important role required by the Constitution.
What is the role of the Deputy Speaker under Article 93?
- Presiding Over the Lok Sabha in the Speaker’s Absence: The Deputy Speaker steps in to chair the sessions of the Lok Sabha when the Speaker is unavailable, ensuring that legislative proceedings continue smoothly. Eg: If the Speaker is unwell or on an official visit abroad, the Deputy Speaker takes over the chair to maintain the functioning of the House, as happened during various occasions when the Speaker had to travel.
- Ensuring Impartiality in Debates and Proceedings: The Deputy Speaker, like the Speaker, must remain impartial and ensure that debates are conducted fairly, without any bias towards any party or individual. Eg: During debates on sensitive issues such as the passing of a crucial bill, the Deputy Speaker ensures that all parties have an opportunity to speak and that the debate remains orderly, as seen in past sessions when contentious issues were discussed.
- Chairing Parliamentary Committees: The Deputy Speaker presides over important parliamentary committees, which play a crucial role in managing legislative work and business. Eg: The Deputy Speaker has chaired committees such as the Business Advisory Committee, where decisions are made regarding the scheduling of bills and other parliamentary matters, helping to streamline the legislative process.
Why is the continued vacancy of the post a constitutional concern?
- Violation of Constitutional Mandate (Article 93): The Constitution directs that the House shall elect a Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be”, implying urgency, not discretion. Eg: The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) functioned its entire term without appointing a Deputy Speaker, disregarding this mandate.
- Absence of Institutional Safeguard in Emergencies: The Deputy Speaker acts as a constitutional backup in case the Speaker resigns, is removed, or is incapacitated. Eg: In 1956, when Speaker G.V. Mavalankar died, Deputy Speaker M.A. Ayyangar stepped in immediately to prevent disruption.
- Undermining Legislative Continuity and Stability: Without a Deputy Speaker, the House lacks redundancy in leadership, risking procedural breakdown during key sessions. Eg: If a crisis arises during budget discussions and the Speaker is absent, proceedings could face delays or legal challenges.
- Erosion of Democratic Norms and Bipartisanship: Traditionally, the post is offered to the Opposition to maintain balance, promote inclusivity, and uphold impartiality. Eg: Earlier Lok Sabhas saw the Deputy Speaker from the Opposition, fostering cooperative legislative functioning.
- Centralisation of Power and Partisan Control: Leaving the post vacant gives unchecked control to the ruling party through the Speaker alone, weakening internal checks. Eg: In the absence of a Deputy Speaker, all procedural authority remains concentrated in one office, reducing scope for dissent or moderation.
When and how did the Deputy Speaker’s position originate?
- Origin in Colonial Legislative Framework: The post of Deputy Speaker evolved from the position of Deputy President in the Central Legislative Assembly during British rule. Eg: Sachidanand Sinha became the first Deputy President (equivalent to Deputy Speaker) in 1921 under colonial administration.
- Continuity Through the Constituent Assembly (Legislative): Even before the Constitution was adopted in 1950, the Constituent Assembly retained the role of Deputy Speaker to maintain legislative function. Eg: The Assembly recognized the practical need for a second presiding officer during debates and discussions on the Constitution.
- Institutionalisation in Post-Independence India: The office was formally incorporated under Article 93 of the Constitution, emphasising its necessity in democratic governance. Eg: M.A. Ayyangar became the first elected Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha in 1952 and later served as acting Speaker after G.V. Mavalankar’s death.
How can reforms ensure timely appointment of the Deputy Speaker? (Way forward)
- Introducing a Fixed Timeline in the Constitution: Amend Article 93 to mandate election of the Deputy Speaker within a specific period (e.g., 60 days) after the first sitting of a new Lok Sabha. Eg: Similar to the time-bound requirement for forming a government after elections, a clear deadline would prevent indefinite delays.
- Statutory Mechanism Empowering the President: Create a law allowing the President to direct the House to elect a Deputy Speaker if the position remains vacant beyond the stipulated time. Eg: On the advice of the Prime Minister or Speaker, the President could initiate proceedings to avoid constitutional anomalies.
- Strengthening Parliamentary Conventions: Reinforce the long-standing practice of offering the Deputy Speaker’s post to the Opposition through formal House resolutions. Eg: Restoring this tradition would ensure bipartisan respect and encourage prompt consensus in electing the Deputy Speaker.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2020] ‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?
Linkage: While focusing on the Speaker, the question is relevant because the Deputy Speaker’s role is intrinsically linked to the robust functioning of parliamentary business and the need for impartiality or objectivity within the presiding officers’ roles.
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