Actual Article
Article 182: Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Legislative Councils
- The Legislative Council of each State shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the Council to be respectively Chairman and Deputy Chairman thereof and, so often as the office of Chairman or Deputy Chairman becomes vacant, the Council shall choose another member to be Chairman or Deputy Chairman, as the case may be.
UPSC Notes for Article 182
Explanation:
- Election of Chairman and Deputy Chairman:
- This article mandates that each Legislative Council in the states must elect a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman from among its members. The election should take place as soon as possible after the Council convenes.
- Filling Vacancies:
- In case of a vacancy in the offices of either the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman, the Council is required to elect a replacement without undue delay. This ensures that the leadership of the Council remains intact for the smooth functioning of legislative activities.
Key Points:
- Leadership Roles: The Chairman presides over the Council sessions, ensuring that debates and proceedings are conducted in an orderly manner. The Deputy Chairman serves in the absence of the Chairman and assumes full responsibilities when required.
- Continuity and Stability: The provision for quick replacement in the event of vacancies ensures continuity and stability in the leadership of the Legislative Council, which is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of the Council.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 182
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases interpreting Article 182 have been identified, as it primarily involves internal procedural matters of the state legislatures.
Commissions:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: Has suggested practices that enhance the democratic functioning of legislative bodies, including the roles of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen, although not specifically addressing Article 182.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 182
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Who elects the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council?
- A. The Governor
- B. The Chief Minister
- C. The members of the Legislative Council
- D. The President of India Correct Answer: C. The members of the Legislative Council
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) What happens when the office of the Chairman of the Legislative Council becomes vacant?
- A. The Governor appoints a new Chairman
- B. The Chief Minister nominates a new Chairman
- C. The Council elects a new Chairman
- D. The Deputy Chairman automatically becomes the Chairman Correct Answer: C. The Council elects a new Chairman
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 182
- Mains 2016: “Examine the roles and responsibilities of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council as outlined in Article 182. How do they ensure the effective functioning of the Council?”
- Mains 2019: “Discuss the significance of the provisions for electing the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Councils under Article 182. What impact do these roles have on legislative deliberations?”
Additional Insights:
- Legislative Efficiency: The roles of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are crucial for managing the legislative agenda and ensuring that the council functions efficiently and effectively.
- Governance and Oversight: By facilitating the election of these positions from among the members of the Council, Article 182 promotes a self-regulating and democratically governed legislative body.
Understanding Article 182 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it highlights the governance structure within the Legislative Councils, emphasizing the democratic election and roles of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, providing insights into the procedural aspects of state legislative functioning.