What is Article 93 (Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker)?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The Lok Sabha shall choose two members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker as soon as may be.
- 2.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker usually happens in the early days of the first session after a general election.
- 3.
If the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker falls vacant, the Lok Sabha shall choose another member to fill the vacancy.
- 4.
The date for the election of the Speaker is fixed by the President, while the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker is decided by the Speaker.
- 5.
There is no specific qualification prescribed in the Constitution for being elected as Speaker or Deputy Speaker, other than being a member of the Lok Sabha.
- 6.
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker can be removed from their offices by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha. A notice of at least 14 days is required before moving such a resolution.
- 7.
The Speaker does not vote in the first instance but exercises a casting vote in the case of a tie.
- 8.
The Speaker certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill or not. This decision is final.
- 9.
The Speaker is the ex-officio chairman of the Indian Parliamentary Group which functions as a national group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
- 10.
The Speaker maintains order and decorum in the House and can suspend a member for unruly behavior.
- 11.
The Speaker decides on the admissibility of questions, resolutions, motions, and amendments.
- 12.
The Speaker can allow a secret sitting of the House at the request of the Leader of the House.
Visual Insights
Comparison: Speaker vs. Deputy Speaker
Side-by-side comparison of the roles and responsibilities of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
| Feature | Speaker | Deputy Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Election | Elected by Lok Sabha members | Elected by Lok Sabha members |
| Presiding Officer | Primary Presiding Officer | Presides in Speaker's absence |
| Casting Vote | Casts vote only in case of a tie | Casts vote only in case of a tie |
| Removal | Removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha | Removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha |
Recent Developments
10 developmentsIn 2021, the Lok Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021, amidst opposition protests, highlighting the Speaker's role in managing House proceedings.
Debates continue regarding the Speaker's impartiality and the need for a more transparent selection process.
Discussions are ongoing about the role of the Speaker in maintaining parliamentary privilege and protecting the rights of members.
The recent trend of disruptions in Parliament has put pressure on the Speaker to take stricter action against unruly members.
The opposition's no-confidence motion against the Speaker in the current news cycle is a significant development.
There is increasing scrutiny of the Speaker's decisions regarding the admissibility of questions and motions.
The role of the Deputy Speaker is also being examined, particularly in the context of ensuring continuity in House proceedings.
Some experts have suggested reforms to the process of removing the Speaker, making it more difficult and requiring a higher threshold.
The Speaker's role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy and representing India in international forums is also gaining importance.
The use of technology in Parliament is changing the Speaker's role, requiring them to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
121. What is Article 93 and its constitutional basis?
Article 93 of the Indian Constitution deals with the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Its constitutional basis lies in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha by providing for its presiding officers.
Exam Tip
Remember that Article 93 is directly related to the Lok Sabha's internal procedures.
2. What are the key provisions of Article 93?
The key provisions of Article 93 include:
- •The Lok Sabha shall choose two members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker as soon as may be.
- •If the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker falls vacant, the Lok Sabha shall choose another member to fill the vacancy.
Exam Tip
Focus on the election process and vacancy filling aspects for exam purposes.
3. How does the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker work in practice?
In practice, the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker usually happens in the early days of the first session after a general election. The date for the Speaker's election is fixed by the President, while the date for the Deputy Speaker's election is decided by the Speaker. There is no specific qualification prescribed in the Constitution for being elected as Speaker or Deputy Speaker, other than being a member of the Lok Sabha.
Exam Tip
Note the roles of the President and Speaker in setting the election dates.
4. What is the significance of Article 93 in Indian democracy?
Article 93 is significant because it ensures that the Lok Sabha has its presiding officers, who are crucial for maintaining order, regulating debates, and conducting business in the House. This is essential for the effective functioning of a parliamentary democracy.
5. What are the challenges in the implementation of Article 93?
One challenge is ensuring the Speaker's impartiality. Debates continue regarding the Speaker's impartiality and the need for a more transparent selection process.
6. What reforms have been suggested for Article 93 and the role of the Speaker?
Suggested reforms often focus on enhancing the transparency and impartiality of the Speaker's selection process. Discussions are ongoing about the role of the Speaker in maintaining parliamentary privilege and protecting the rights of members.
7. What are common misconceptions about the Speaker and Deputy Speaker's role?
A common misconception is that the Speaker is merely a government representative. In reality, the Speaker is expected to be impartial and uphold the rules of the House, even when it means going against the government's wishes.
8. How has the role of the Speaker evolved over time?
The role of the Speaker has evolved from being primarily a nominee of the ruling party to being a more independent and impartial arbiter of House proceedings. This evolution reflects the growing importance of parliamentary democracy in India.
9. What are the important articles/sections related to Article 93?
The primary article is Article 93 of the Constitution of India. Also relevant are the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, which govern the practical aspects of the Speaker's and Deputy Speaker's functions.
Exam Tip
Focus on Article 93 and the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure.
10. What are the limitations of Article 93?
Article 93 primarily focuses on the election process but does not delve into specific qualifications or detailed procedures for removing the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. These aspects are covered in other rules and conventions.
11. How does India's system of Speaker and Deputy Speaker compare with other countries?
India's system is largely based on the British parliamentary model. However, the specific powers and conventions surrounding the Speaker's role may vary from country to country.
12. What are frequently asked aspects of Article 93 in the UPSC exam?
Frequently asked aspects include the election process of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, their roles and responsibilities, and the constitutional provisions related to their offices. Questions may also touch upon the Speaker's impartiality and recent controversies or developments related to the functioning of the Lok Sabha.
Exam Tip
Focus on the practical aspects of the Speaker's role and recent events related to the Lok Sabha.