Actual Article
Article 180: Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker
- While the office of Speaker is vacant, or while the Speaker is absent from the sitting of the Assembly, the Deputy Speaker shall perform the duties of the office of the Speaker.
- If the Deputy Speaker is also absent, the Assembly may elect another member to perform the duties of the Speaker.
- During the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, such powers may be vested temporarily in a member of the Assembly duly elected by the body.
UPSC Notes for Article 180
Explanation:
- Duty Performance in Speaker’s Absence:
- This article ensures continuity in the legislative functions of the Legislative Assembly by designating the Deputy Speaker to perform the duties of the Speaker during his absence or when the Speaker’s position is vacant.
- Election of Temporary Speaker:
- If both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are absent, the Legislative Assembly has the authority to elect another member to perform these duties. This provision guarantees that the Assembly continues to operate efficiently without disruptions in leadership.
Key Points:
- Continuity of Leadership: Article 180 is designed to ensure that there is no leadership vacuum in the Legislative Assembly, which is crucial for maintaining the orderly conduct of proceedings.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The article provides the legislative assembly the flexibility to adapt to situations where the designated leaders (Speaker and Deputy Speaker) are unavailable.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 180
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases directly interpreting Article 180 have been identified, as this article involves procedural governance within state legislatures.
Commissions:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: Has made recommendations concerning the enhancement of procedural efficiency in legislative bodies, which would include ensuring continuity of leadership as provided for in Article 180.
Important Reports:
- Law Commission Reports: While they generally focus on broader legal reforms, these reports support the efficient functioning of legislative bodies through structured leadership succession, aligning with the principles laid out in Article 180.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 180
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Who performs the duties of the Speaker when the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are absent?
- A. The Chief Minister
- B. A member appointed by the Governor
- C. A member elected by the Assembly
- D. The oldest member of the Assembly Correct Answer: C. A member elected by the Assembly
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Under which article does the Deputy Speaker perform the duties of the Speaker?
- A. Article 178
- B. Article 179
- C. Article 180
- D. Article 181 Correct Answer: C. Article 180
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 180
- Mains 2016: “Evaluate the provisions of Article 180 regarding the continuity of leadership in the Legislative Assembly. How do these provisions support the legislative process?”
- Mains 2019: “Discuss the significance of Article 180 in maintaining the functionality of the state legislative assembly during absences of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.”
Additional Insights:
- Ensuring Functionality: Article 180 underscores the importance of legislative functionality, ensuring that the assembly can continue its duties without interruption, thus supporting the democratic process.
- Leadership Redundancy: By allowing for temporary election of a member to perform the Speaker’s duties, the article helps maintain a structured approach to leadership redundancy, critical during unplanned absences.
Understanding Article 180 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the mechanisms for maintaining leadership within state legislatures, reflecting the commitment to uninterrupted legislative governance. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, highlighting the procedural safeguards that ensure continuity in legislative functions.