Understanding the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

The Deputy Speaker is the second highest ranking legislative official of the Lok Sabha. This position is established under Article 93 of the Constitution of India. The Deputy Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha itself from amongst its members. The role of the Deputy Speaker is crucial, especially in the absence of the Speaker.

Analyzing Statements about the Deputy Speaker

Let's carefully examine each statement provided regarding the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha:

1. Statement 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.

   This statement is correct. Rule 7(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha states that "The election of a member to be the Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix, and the Secretary-General shall send a notice thereof to every member."

2. Statement 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.

   This statement is incorrect. While there is a well-established convention, particularly since the 11th Lok Sabha, to offer the post of Deputy Speaker to the principal opposition party, this is a parliamentary practice or convention, not a mandatory provision enshrined in the Constitution or the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha. The election is decided by a vote among the members.

3. Statement 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

   This statement is correct. Article 95(1) of the Constitution states that "While the office of Speaker is vacant, or during any absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the House of the People, the Deputy Speaker shall perform the duties of the office, or act as Speaker, as the case may be." Rule 12 of the Rules of Procedure further clarifies that the Deputy Speaker, when presiding, has the same powers as the Speaker. Decisions made by the presiding officer (whether Speaker or Deputy Speaker) in the House are final and no appeal lies against them within the House.

4. Statement 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

   This statement is incorrect. The election of the Deputy Speaker is a motion moved by a member of Parliament and seconded by another member. The Speaker's role in the election process is to fix the date for the election, not to move or second the motion for election of the Deputy Speaker.

Conclusion on Correct Statements

Based on the analysis:

• Statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Statement 3 is correct.
• Statement 4 is incorrect.

Therefore, the statements that are correct are 1 and 3 only.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Deputy Speaker

Additional Information: Role of Presiding Officers in Lok Sabha

The smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha heavily relies on its presiding officers. The Speaker is the principal presiding officer. In their absence, the Deputy Speaker takes charge. If both are absent, a member from the Panel of Chairpersons presides.

• Speaker: Chief presiding officer, maintains order, interprets rules, allows/disallows motions, puts questions to vote, casts casting vote in case of a tie.
• Deputy Speaker: Presides in the Speaker's absence, has the same powers as the Speaker when presiding. When the Speaker is presiding, the Deputy Speaker sits like any other member and can participate in discussions and vote.
• Panel of Chairpersons: Nominated by the Speaker from amongst members. Any member from the panel can preside in the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. However, when presiding, a member from the Panel of Chairpersons does not have the same powers as the Speaker; the Speaker can delegate some powers, but certain powers (like adjourning the House sine die) remain with the Speaker.

The election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are important procedural matters for the constitution and functioning of the Lok Sabha.