Why is it in the news?
- At present, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-time MP, has been appointed as the ‘Speaker pro tem’ of the 18th Lok Sabha by the President.
- The official election for the full-time Speaker is set for June 26. Additionally, there are indications that the position of Deputy Speaker might be granted to one of the allies of the ruling party, a role traditionally held by the Opposition since the 10th Lok Sabha (1991).
| Role of Speaker pro tem
· As per Article 94 of the Constitution, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds the position until just before the initial meeting of the Lok Sabha following its dissolution. This provision ensures that the Speaker’s role is never vacant. · In accordance with Article 95(1) of the Constitution, if both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions are vacant, the President appoints a Lok Sabha member to carry out the Speaker’s duties. This scenario arises when a new Lok Sabha session begins. · Therefore, the President appoints a ‘Speaker pro tem’ under this constitutional provision until the full-time Speaker is elected. · The term ‘pro tem’ denotes ‘temporary’ or ‘for the time being.’ · Although not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution or Lok Sabha rules, ‘Speaker pro tem’ is a customary term detailed in the ‘Handbook on the working of Ministry of Parliamentary affairs.’ · Typically, the government selects one of the most senior Lok Sabha members, who is then sworn in by the President. · The Speaker pro tem administers the oath of office to other MPs and oversees the election process of the full-time Speaker. |
Importance of Speaker
- As outlined in Article 93 of the Constitution, the Lok Sabha elects two members for the roles of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- The election of the Speaker is conducted on a date determined by the President, with all post-independence Speakers elected unopposed. On the other hand, the Deputy Speaker’s election is scheduled by the Speaker.
- In addition to overseeing parliamentary proceedings, the Speaker holds two critical constitutional responsibilities: certifying Bills as Money Bills (with limited involvement of the Rajya Sabha) and ruling on disqualification cases under the Tenth Schedule for defection.
- Past Speakers have predominantly favored the ruling party in discharging these duties, a trend that should be avoided.
- Lok Sabha regulations empower the Speaker with the authority to refer introduced Bills to Standing Committees and impose suspensions on members for severe disruptions lasting up to five days.
- The referral rate of Bills to committees dropped from 71% during 2009-14 to 16% in 2019-24.
- With the re-emergence of a coalition government, it is expected that the Speaker will direct significant Bills to Standing committees for thorough examination. Notably, the winter session of 2023 witnessed extensive suspensions of Opposition MPs, which impede the effective functioning of Parliament and should be exercised judiciously.
Guiding Conventions
- In the UK, once elected, the Speaker resigns from their political party to uphold impartiality. Subsequent elections to the House of Commons see the Speaker running as an independent candidate, reflecting their nonpartisan approach while presiding over parliamentary proceedings.
- Though the Tenth Schedule permits Speakers to resign from their respective parties upon assuming office, no Speaker has taken this step thus far. Resigning from party affiliations upon assuming the Speaker’s post could serve as an initial move towards demonstrating independence.
- The Deputy Speaker, a crucial constitutional role, fills in during the Speaker’s absence or vacancy. The convention of offering the Deputy Speaker post to the Opposition commenced in 1991 and was consistently followed until the 16th Lok Sabha. The absence of Deputy Speaker election in the 17th Lok Sabha was a departure from constitutional norms.
- However, it is imperative that the healthy convention of assigning the Deputy Speaker role to the Opposition be reinstated in the current Lok Sabha.
