The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha

The role of the Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha is a constitutional mandate, essential for the smooth functioning of the House. This position is not merely ceremonial but fundamental, as mandated by Article 93 of the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Imperative

• Article 93 mandates the election of both a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker as soon as possible, indicating the urgency and necessity of the role.
• Article 94 assures that the Deputy Speaker remains in office until resignation, removal, or ceasing to be a Member of Parliament, highlighting the need for continuity.

Historical Context

The office has its roots in the colonial period, initially as the Deputy President of the Central Legislative Assembly under British rule. The first Deputy Speaker was Sachidanand Sinha in 1921. Post-Independence, the position was maintained to ensure legislative stability, with M.A. Ayyangar as the first elected Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Role and Functions

• The Deputy Speaker steps in during the Speaker's absence to maintain procedural continuity.
• This role involves chairing sessions, presiding over committees, and managing debates, requiring impartiality irrespective of political affiliations.
• Historically, the Deputy Speaker has been offered to the Opposition to foster bipartisan respect and uphold non-partisan ethos.

Current Scenario and Concerns

Despite its constitutional importance, the office has remained vacant throughout the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) and into the 18th Lok Sabha. This unprecedented vacancy undermines constitutional safeguards, centralizing power within the Speaker and the ruling party.

• The absence of a Deputy Speaker could lead to confusion or a leadership vacuum in emergencies.
• This neglect signals disregard for parliamentary conventions, including the unwritten rule of appointing a Deputy Speaker from the Opposition.

Call for Reform

There is a pressing need to address the delay in appointing a Deputy Speaker:

• Suggestions include setting a mandatory election deadline, such as within 60 days of the new Lok Sabha's first sitting.
• Alternatively, introducing statutory mechanisms for the President to initiate the process could ensure compliance.

Conclusion

The Deputy Speaker's office is crucial for legislative integrity and continuity. Parliament must adhere to constitutional norms and elect a Deputy Speaker to uphold rule-based governance, thus passing this test of commitment to democratic principles.