In the architecture of Indian democracy, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not just a presiding officer but the “conscience keeper” of the House. Jawaharlal Nehru famously described the Speaker as the “symbol of the nation’s freedom and liberty.”
However, recent political developments—specifically the Opposition’s move to consider a motion for the removal of the Speaker—have sparked a debate on the impartiality, powers, and procedural safeguards of this office. For a UPSC aspirant, this topic sits at the intersection of Constitutional Law (Article 93-96), Parliamentary Rules, and Judicial Review.
1. Constitutional & Procedural Architecture
The Speaker holds a unique position that is both a member of the House and its supreme authority.
Appointment and Tenure
- Article 93: Mandates the election of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Interestingly, the Constitution does not specify a timeline, only saying “as soon as may be.”
- Fixing the Election: The date for the Speaker’s election is set by the President, whereas the Speaker sets the date for the Deputy Speaker’s election.
- Dissolution Rule: Under Article 94, the Speaker does not vacate office when the Lok Sabha is dissolved. They continue until immediately before the first meeting of the new House. This ensures there is always a “custodian” for the Lok Sabha’s records and secretariat.
The Removal “Shield”
The removal of a Speaker is purposefully difficult to prevent the Executive from bullying the Chair.
- Notice: A 14-day mandatory notice.
- The Majority Gap: While election requires a Simple Majority, removal requires an Effective Majority (majority of all the then members). This protects the Speaker from being ousted by a small group of members present during a low-attendance Friday session.
- Status during Removal: Under Article 96, the Speaker cannot preside but has the right to speak and vote in the “first instance.” This is the only time the Speaker votes like a regular MP, losing their “Casting Vote” privilege.
2. Multi-Dimensional Powers of the Speaker
The Speaker’s authority can be categorized into three major domains:
A. Regulatory and Procedural Powers
- Final Interpreter: Within the House, the Speaker is the final interpreter of the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure, and Parliamentary Precedents. Their rulings are often equivalent to law within the chamber.
- Admissibility: The Speaker decides whether a No-Confidence Motion, Adjournment Motion, or Censure Motion is in order.
- Money Bill Certification (Article 110): The Speaker’s word is final on whether a bill is a Money Bill. This power has recently come under judicial scrutiny (e.g., the Aadhaar Act case) regarding whether “finality” precludes “judicial review.”
B. Administrative Powers
- Head of Secretariat: The Speaker is the supreme head of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, which functions independently of the Executive.
- Security & Galleries: No one can enter the Parliament Estate or be arrested within its precincts without the Speaker’s permission.
C. Quasi-Judicial Powers: The 10th Schedule
Under the Anti-Defection Law, the Speaker acts as a tribunal to decide on the disqualification of members. This is the most controversial power, as the Speaker—typically a member of the ruling party—must judge their own party colleagues or rivals.
3. The Judicial Guardrails: Landmark Judgments
The Speaker’s powers are not absolute. The Supreme Court has intervened multiple times to define the boundaries of the Chair.
Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu (1992)
The SC ruled that while the Speaker’s power under the 10th Schedule is vast, it is subject to judicial review. The Court held that the Speaker acts as a “Tribunal” in these cases, and their decisions can be challenged on grounds of mala fides, perversity, or violation of natural justice.
Nabam Rebia Case (2016)
The Court ruled that a Speaker cannot proceed with disqualification proceedings under the 10th Schedule if a notice for their own removal is pending. This prevents a Speaker from “altering the composition of the House” to save their own chair.
Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs. Speaker (2020)
Addressing the issue of “indefinite delays” in disqualification cases, the SC recommended that Speakers should ideally decide such petitions within three months. It also made a radical suggestion: Parliament should consider creating an independent permanent tribunal to handle defections to ensure neutrality.
4. The UK vs. India: The Neutrality Debate
The core of the current controversy is whether the Speaker can remain neutral while staying a party member.
| Feature | British Speaker | Indian Speaker |
| Party Ties | Resigns from the party immediately. | Remains a party member (usually). |
| Neutrality | Absolute; avoids all political activity. | Often participates in party events outside the House. |
| Elections | Usually uncontested in general elections. | Must fight a standard political campaign on a party ticket. |
| Convention | “Once a Speaker, always a Speaker.” | Often returns to active cabinet roles later (e.g., G.S. Dhillon). |
The Indian Dilemma: Because the Indian Speaker must seek a party ticket for the next election, there is a systemic “pull” toward the ruling party’s interests.
5. Critical Analysis for UPSC Mains
Is the Office “Partisan”?
Critics argue that the Speaker’s power to “mute mics,” suspend members, and certify Money Bills is being used to favor the Executive. However, defenders argue that the Speaker’s primary duty is to ensure the “Government must have its way, and the Opposition must have its say.” When the Opposition causes constant disruptions, the Speaker is forced to take disciplinary action to ensure the legislative agenda—the mandate of the people—is met.
Proposed Reforms
- Adopting the UK Model: Legislating that the Speaker must resign from their party.
- Tribunalization: Shifting disqualification powers to an independent body.
- Automatic Deputy Speaker: Making the election of a Deputy Speaker (usually from the Opposition) a time-bound mandatory process.
Conclusion
The Speaker is the “linchpin” of the parliamentary system. While the Constitution provides them with immunity and vast powers, the “health” of the office depends on Constitutional Morality. As the Supreme Court has noted, the Speaker must be “the shadow of the House,” not the “voice of the government.”
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