Long term vacancy since 2019 to the office of Deputy Speaker (DS) points to Constitutional anomaly.

About DS of the Lok Sabha 

• Background: The office emerged in 1921 under Government of India Act, 1919. 
  • Sachidananda Sinha first held this office in the Central Legislative Assembly. 
  • M. A. Ayyangar, became the first elected DS post-independence.
• Election: Article 93 provides that Lok Sabha, as soon as may be, choose two members of the House to be Speaker and DS. 
  • As per a long-standing convention, the post of DS has been offered to the Opposition. 
• Resignation and Removal: Article 94 deals with vacation, resignation and removal (by a resolution passed by a majority of all then members of the House). 
  • Speaker may resign by submitting a resignation to the DS and vice-versa.
• Duties: As per Article 95, DS performs the duties of Speaker in case of vacancy, absence, etc. 

Importance of the office of DS

• Constitutional Imperative: It is not merely ceremonial as the Constitution places it on an equal footing with the Speaker. 
• Essential for continuity, stability, and institutional balance: As the DS acts as a second in command in case of emergency. 
  • M.A. Ayyangar served as the acting Speaker after the sudden death of Speaker G.V. Mavalankar in 1956. 
• Legislative Responsibilities: DS chairs key sessions, leads committees, and manages sensitive debates requiring neutrality and authority.

Conclusion

A specific deadline (E.g., 60 days of the first sitting of the new Lok Sabha) or a statutory mechanism could be introduced to ensure appointment within a timeframe. 

Supreme Court (SC) condemned prolonged inaction by speakers on defection petitions. 

• The SC said Speaker could not use his indecision to defeat the worthy objective of the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) of the Constitution.
• Question of Law in front of Supreme Court: Can constitutional courts direct Speakers, acting as quasi-judicial tribunals, to decide anti-defection disqualification petitions within a specific timeframe?

Supreme Courts Observations

• Court’s Power Over Speaker’s Inaction: The SC stated that it is not “powerless” if Speaker remains “indecisive” on disqualification petitions.
• Court’s Right to Set a Reasonable Timeframe: While courts cannot dictate the outcome of a disqualification petition, they can direct the Speaker to decide within a reasonable period.
  • E.g., Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly (2020).
• If the Speaker fails to act: The SC can invoke its extraordinary powers under Article 142.

Other SC Observations to Improve Implementation of Anti-Defection Law

• Judicial Review Over Speaker’s Decisions: Courts should have the authority to intervene if the Speaker delays action. Case: Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992).
• Impartiality of the Speaker: The Speaker should act as a neutral adjudicator rather than a political figure. Case: Ravi S. Naik v. Union of India (1994).
• Independent Tribunal for Disqualification Cases: Consider transferring disqualification powers from the Speaker to an independent tribunal. Case: Karnataka MLAs’ disqualification case (2020).

The Bill is passed by the Parliament. 

Key Highlights of the Bill

• Objective: To modernize immigration laws, enhance national security, and improve coordination among immigration authorities.
• Bills repealed:  
  • Passport Act, 1920
  • Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
  • Foreigners Act, 1946
  • Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
• Immigration Regulation: A Bureau of Immigration will oversee visa issuance and entry-exit regulations.
• Penalties: Penalizes foreigners entering without valid passport or other travel documents with imprisonment of up to five years, fine up to five lakh rupees, or both.
• Power of arrest: Police officers not below the rank of a Head Constable can arrest without a warrant.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj Introduced Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) to Assess Gram Panchayat Performance.

• There are 2.5 lakh gram panchayats in the country. Out of these, data of around 2.16 lakh gram panchayats from 29 States have been assessed.
• Panchayat means an institution of self-government constituted under Article 243B, for the rural areas.

About Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)

• Concept: PAI is a multi-domain and multi-sectoral index that is intended to be used to assess the overall holistic development, performance & progress of panchayats. 
• Aims: Measure how well these grassroots institutions are achieving localized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Themes: The index evaluates panchayats based on nine key themes related to local development (See image).
• Categories in the PAI
  • Achiever (0%): No panchayat in India achieved the ‘achiever’ rank in this year’s assessment.
  • Aspirant (61.2%): The largest percentage of panchayats fall under this category.
  • Performer (36%): A significant portion of panchayats has achieved moderate progress.
  • Front-Runner: Gujarat topped the rankings with the highest number of panchayats in this category.