Except on three occasions 1952, 1967 and 1976 , the Speakers in India have been elected unopposed.
- Article 93 states that the Lok Sabha shall choose two of its members as Speaker and Deputy Speaker on a date fixed by the President.
- It is done by a simple majority of members present and voting.
Office of Speaker of Lok Sabha
- The Speaker is the presiding officer who is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the House.
- Term of Office:
- The Speaker does not vacate his/her office until immediately before the first meeting of the Lok sabha after the dissolution.
- He/she is eligible for re-election.
Responsibilities of the Speaker of Lok Sabha
- He/she is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its Committees and members.
- All matters which are not specifically provided under the rules and all questions relating to the working of the rules are regulated by him/her.
- Uses his/her power to vote, in order to resolve a deadlock.
- Presides over a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
- Sole authority to decide whether any Bill is a Money Bill according to Article 110 (4) .
Criticism of the Office of speaker
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