Q. With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
1. As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix.
2. There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate, as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party.
3. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House and no appeal lies against his rulings.
4. The well-established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1, 2 and 3
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 2 and 4 only
Correct Answer: a) 1 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper
Explanation :
Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds a significant role within the Indian parliamentary system. Understanding the rules and conventions that govern this position is essential for grasping the functioning of India’s democracy.
Election Date Set by Speaker
As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of the Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix. This aligns with Rule 8 of the said rules, confirming the statement as correct.
No Mandatory Provision for Party Affiliation
Contrary to some beliefs, there is no mandatory provision that dictates the election of a Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha to be necessarily from the principal opposition party or the ruling party. This absence of a constitutional or procedural mandate makes the second statement incorrect.
Powers of the Deputy Speaker
When the Deputy Speaker presides over a sitting of the House, they wield the same powers as that of the Speaker. No appeal can be made against the rulings of the Deputy Speaker, thus emphasizing the authority and finality of their decisions.
Appointment Practice
It is a common misconception that the motion for the election of the Deputy Speaker is exclusively moved by the Speaker and seconded by the Prime Minister. In reality, any member of the House can move the motion, which is typically done by consensus. This clarifies that the fourth statement is incorrect.
