The Speaker of Lok Sabha: Powers, Functions & Constitutional Provisions

Introduction

The Speaker of Lok Sabha is the presiding officer and the highest authority of the Lower House of Parliament. The Speaker ensures orderly conduct of business and represents the dignity of the House.

Election & Tenure

• Election: Elected by members of Lok Sabha from among themselves (usually in the first session after elections).
Article 93: The House of the People shall choose two members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
• Tenure: Holds office until the next Lok Sabha is constituted (unless resigns or is removed).
• Removal: Can be removed by a resolution passed by majority of members (after 14 days' notice).
Article 94: Speaker vacates office if ceases to be a member of Lok Sabha or resigns/removed by resolution.

Powers & Functions of the Speaker

1. Presiding Over House Proceedings

• Maintains order and decorum in the House.
• Decides who shall speak and allots time for debates.
Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha (Rule 6-13): Governs Speaker's authority in conducting business.

2. Decisive Powers

• Cast Vote: Exercises casting vote in case of a tie (but no original vote).
Article 100(1): Chairman/Speaker shall not vote in the first instance but can cast a tie-breaking vote.
• Disqualification of Members: Decides on disqualification under Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule).
Tenth Schedule (Para 6): Speaker decides on disqualification of defecting members.

3. Committee Appointments

• Appoints chairpersons and members of various parliamentary committees (e.g., Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee).
Rules 308-310 (Lok Sabha Rules): Speaker's role in committee formations.

4. Money Bill Certification

• Final authority to certify whether a bill is a Money Bill (Article 110).
Article 110(3): Speaker's decision on Money Bill is final.

5. Privileges & Discipline

• Can punish members for unruly behaviour (suspension, expulsion).
Article 105(3): Powers, privileges, and immunities of the House.

6. Joint Sittings (Article 108)

• Presides over joint sittings of Parliament (if Lok Sabha Speaker is absent, Deputy Speaker or Rajya Sabha Chairman presides).
Article 118(4): Speaker's role in joint sittings.

Constitutional & Legal Provisions

Special Powers & UPSC Must-Know Facts

• The Speaker does not resign when the Lok Sabha is dissolved but continues till the new House meets.
Convention: Speaker remains in office until the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha.
• The Speaker does not vote in the first instance but can use a casting vote.
• The Speaker’s salary is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (not subject to vote).
• First Speaker of Lok Sabha: Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar.
• Longest-serving Speaker: Balram Jakhar (1980-1989).