Source: The Hindu
Since the Deputy Speaker post has been unfilled for the past six years, concerns have been raised about democratic resilience and constitutional observance. To guarantee that the Indian people were adequately represented in the political system, the Constitution’s authors chose a parliamentary style of government. If the system did not operate correctly, efficiently, and seamlessly, this concept would lose a lot of its impact.
The present ruling government has allegedly strongly objected to giving the Deputy Speaker position to a member of the opposition. This goes against one of the requirements of a functioning parliamentary democracy, which is the sharing of powers idea.
The Deputy Speaker has a crucial role in ensuring that legislative work continues; he is not only the Speaker’s stand-in. Additionally, he oversees important debates, acts as an impartial arbiter during delicate deliberations, and presides over committees including the House Budget Committee of Parliament and the Private Member’s Bill.
Article 93 of the Constitution lists provisions for a Deputy Speaker. The article’s wording, which uses the phrase “as soon as” to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, conveys necessity and urgency rather than discretion. The Deputy Speaker’s term is guaranteed by Article 94 until their resignation, removal, or disqualification.
Traditionally, the ruling party holds the role of Speaker. It has been customary to offer a member of the opposition the office of Deputy Speaker. The main goal of this approach is to foster harmony between the opposition and the ruling party so that Parliament can operate smoothly.
The election for the position of Deputy Speaker “shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix,” as stated in Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha 1952. Following the passage of a motion proposing their name, the Deputy Speaker is elected. When he is in charge of a sitting House, he has the same authority as the Speaker.
When the Speaker’s chair is vacant, the Deputy Speaker may perform the Speaker’s duties in accordance with Article 180 of the Constitution. As a result, this vacancy is in violation of the Rules of Procedure in addition to Articles 93, 94, and 180 of the Constitution.
Article 93 does not specify a timeframe, although it does stipulate that the Deputy Speaker will be elected “as soon as may be.” A lengthy delay brought on by a misreading of this clause could skew the intent of the constitution and leave a gap in it.
Model Question:
Discuss the constitutional provisions regarding the post of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Why has the delay in appointing a Deputy Speaker in recent Lok Sabhas been a matter of concern?
Model Answer:
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha plays a crucial role in ensuring the impartial conduct of business in the House, especially in the absence of the Speaker. The Constitution of India lays down specific provisions regarding this office, but recent delays in its appointment raise concerns about the health of parliamentary democracy.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 93 of the Constitution mandates that the Lok Sabha shall, as soon as may be, choose two members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- No specific timeframe is provided for this election, but conventionally, the post is filled within a few weeks of the constitution of a new Lok Sabha.
- The Deputy Speaker:
- Presides over Lok Sabha in the absence of the Speaker.
- Is not subordinate to the Speaker and enjoys independent constitutional status.
- Is usually from the Opposition or a different party to maintain impartiality.
Concerns Over Delay in Appointment:
- The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) did not appoint a Deputy Speaker for nearly the entire term, a break from past practice.
- This vacuum undermines legislative accountability and disrupts institutional balance.
- It raises questions of constitutional morality and goes against the spirit of Article 93.
- The absence of a Deputy Speaker also diminishes parliamentary efficiency, especially during sessions when the Speaker is unavailable.
While the Constitution does not prescribe a fixed timeline, the non-appointment of the Deputy Speaker weakens parliamentary democracy. It is imperative for future governments to uphold the conventions and spirit of the Constitution by ensuring timely appointment to this important constitutional post.
