Actual Article
Article 93: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of the People
The House of the People (Lok Sabha) shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker thereof and, so often as the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker becomes vacant, the House shall choose another member to be Speaker or Deputy Speaker, as the case may be.
UPSC Notes for Article 93
Explanation:
- Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker: The Lok Sabha must elect two of its members to serve as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. This election should happen as soon as possible after the House is constituted or whenever the offices become vacant.
- Vacancy and Replacement: In the event of a vacancy in the offices of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker, the Lok Sabha is required to elect new members to these positions promptly.
Key Points:
- Role of the Speaker: The Speaker presides over the sessions of the Lok Sabha, ensuring orderly conduct of business, maintaining decorum, and upholding parliamentary rules and procedures.
- Role of the Deputy Speaker: The Deputy Speaker assists the Speaker and presides over the sessions in the Speaker’s absence, ensuring continuity in the functioning of the House.
- Election by Members: The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker by the members of the Lok Sabha reflects the democratic principles within the House, with the elected representatives choosing their presiding officers.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 93
Cases:
- M.S.M. Sharma vs. Krishna Sinha (1959): Discussed the powers and privileges of the Speaker, highlighting the importance of the Speaker’s role in maintaining parliamentary order.
- Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu (1992): This landmark case dealt with the anti-defection law and emphasized the Speaker’s role in adjudicating defection cases, showcasing the authority and responsibilities of the Speaker.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Analyzed Centre-State relations and discussed the roles and responsibilities of legislative office holders, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Suggested measures to enhance the functioning of the legislative bodies, including the election and roles of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 93
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Who among the following is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha?
- A. President
- B. Vice-President
- C. Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- D. Prime Minister Correct Answer: C. Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- (UPSC Prelims 2019) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can be removed from office by:
- A. The Prime Minister
- B. A resolution passed by the Lok Sabha
- C. The President
- D. The Chief Justice of India Correct Answer: B. A resolution passed by the Lok Sabha
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 93
- Mains 2015: “Discuss the significance of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha. How does the role of the Speaker ensure the orderly conduct of business in the House?”
- Mains 2018: “Analyze the importance of the Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha. How does the election of the Deputy Speaker contribute to the functioning of the parliamentary system in India?”
Additional Insights:
- Neutral Authority: The Speaker is expected to be impartial and neutral, ensuring that the proceedings of the Lok Sabha are conducted fairly and without bias.
- Parliamentary Procedures: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker play crucial roles in upholding parliamentary procedures and rules, ensuring that legislative business is conducted efficiently.
- Continuity in Leadership: The provision for electing a Deputy Speaker ensures that there is always a presiding officer available to conduct the business of the House, even in the absence of the Speaker.
Understanding Article 93 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the election and roles of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework and the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy.