Context: Initiate proceedings to elect Deputy Speaker, says Kharge in letter to Modi

Source: The Hindu

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha’s post remaining unfilled “does not augur well for India’s democratic polity and is also in violation of well laid out provisions of the Constitution.”

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of People must be elected, according to Article 93 of the Indian Constitution. According to the constitution, the Speaker is the House’s top presiding authority, followed by the Deputy Speaker.

Every House had a Deputy Speaker from the first to the sixteenth Lok Sabha, with the Deputy Speaker being chosen in the second or third session of the newly formed Lok Sabha. The Deputy Speaker is traditionally chosen from among the members of the main opposition party.

Model Question:

Discuss the constitutional status and role of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Why has the post remained vacant for long periods in recent years? Suggest measures to strengthen this office.

Model Answer:

The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a constitutional authority established under Article 93 of the Indian Constitution. It mandates that Lok Sabha shall choose two members—Speaker and Deputy Speaker—as soon as possible. Though not time-bound, this provision ensures independent presiding over the House in the Speaker’s absence.

The Deputy Speaker:

1. Presides over proceedings of the House in the Speaker’s absence.
2. Holds powers equivalent to the Speaker when presiding, including maintaining order, deciding on points of order, and referring matters to committees.
3. Belongs to the Opposition party by convention, ensuring a check on majoritarianism, though this is not legally binding.

However, in recent years, the post has often remained vacant:

1. 17th Lok Sabha (2019–present) has seen no Deputy Speaker appointed—an unprecedented situation.
2. Political reasons such as lack of consensus, strategic delay, or undue centralization of power have been cited.
3. The absence undermines parliamentary impartiality, accountability, and the spirit of constitutionalism.

Way Forward:

1. Amend Rules of Procedure to mandate a time limit (e.g., within 30 days) for appointing the Deputy Speaker.
2. Establish a convention or code for selection from the Opposition.
3. Judicial or constitutional clarity on the enforceability of Article 93 could be explored.
4. Strengthen the autonomy and dignity of the office by ensuring tenure protection and equal protocol.

The Deputy Speaker plays a pivotal role in upholding the neutrality and continuity of legislative functioning. Delays in appointment erode parliamentary values. It is imperative to restore respect and functionality to this vital institution.