Daily Mains Question - GS 2 - Polity & Governance – 6th June 2025

Question

Examine the Lok Sabha Speaker’s constitutional position, powers, and responsibilities with reference to regulating the Business of the House.

(15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha plays a vital role in India’s parliamentary democracy. Described as representing the complete authority of the House, the Speaker embodies its dignity and power, while individual MPs represent their constituencies. Elected by members of the Lok Sabha, the Speaker continues in office until the first sitting of the next Lok Sabha and is eligible for re-election.

Constitutional Position and Administrative Role:The Speaker’s chair is placed prominently in the Lok Sabha chamber for a commanding view of the proceedings. The Speaker is supported by directions issued by predecessors, the Secretary-General, and other senior officials of the Lok Sabha Secretariat. In the absence of the Speaker, duties are carried out by the Deputy Speaker or members from the Panel of Chairpersons.

Regulation of Business of the House:

1. Decides the admissibility of questions and amendments to motions like the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.

2. Determines if modifications to specific parts of a bill under discussion are permitted.

3. Holds exclusive authority under Article 110(3) to certify a bill as a Money Bill. This ensures that the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations, and the Lok Sabha retains final authority.

4. Interprets rules where they are ambiguous or silent.

5. Plays a quasi-judicial role under the Tenth Schedule in anti-defection cases, often influencing political stability.

As the head of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Speaker has complete control over staff, proceedings, precincts, and security, thereby ensuring the efficient and impartial functioning of the House.

Value Addition: Speaker’s Role

Aspect	Details
Constitutional Articles	Article 93 – Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker; Article 94 – Vacation and resignation; Article 110(3) – Certification of Money Bills
Relevant Schedule	Tenth Schedule – Anti-defection law; Speaker acts as final authority in disqualification cases
Significance in Practice	- 2017: Speaker certified Aadhaar Bill as a Money Bill, bypassing Rajya Sabha – sparked legal and constitutional debate - 2020: Delays in deciding disqualification petitions (e.g., Manipur MLA case) raised questions on neutrality and judicial review
Judicial Observations	- Kihoto Hollohan (1992): Upheld Speaker's power in anti-defection cases but made it subject to judicial review
Best Practices Suggested	- Recommendations by experts for independent tribunals for anti-defection cases - Need for codifying timelines for disqualification decisions to ensure impartiality
Quote	“The Speaker represents the House, not any political party.” – M.N. Kaul and S.L. Shakdher, Parliamentary Practice