Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker : Recently, for the first time in India’s parliamentary history, the Deputy Speaker post remained vacant throughout the entire Lok Sabha term from 2019 to 2024.

o There is now a chance that this important position may once again remain unoccupied in the 18th Lok Sabha.

• About Deputy Speaker: The Deputy Speaker presides over Lok Sabha sessions when the Speaker is absent, exercising the same powers to manage proceedings.

o As per Article 93, he/she must be elected “as soon as may be” after the Lok Sabha is constituted, emphasizing timely election without undue delay.

o Holds office until resignation, removal, or disqualification under Article 94, ensuring continuity in parliamentary functioning.

o Chairs key parliamentary committees, including the Private Member’s Bill Committee and the House Budget Committee, to aid legislative review.

o Maintains impartiality by ensuring fair conduct, orderly debates, and protecting members’ rights, including those of the Opposition.

• Key Issues: The Deputy Speaker post remained vacant throughout the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) and currently in the 18th Lok Sabha, an unprecedented situation.

o Although the Constitution doesn’t set a strict deadline, delaying the election for years distorts the intended meaning of “as soon as may be.”

o It reflects a disregard for constitutional principles and parliamentary conventions.

o The vacancy centralizes procedural power within the ruling party, upsetting the institutional balance designed by the Constitution.

o Without a Deputy Speaker, sudden events like the Speaker’s resignation or incapacitation could disrupt parliamentary functioning.

o Ignoring the tradition of offering the role to the Opposition weakens consensus politics and damages democratic goodwill.