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Duties of a Speaker
Context
The election of a new Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha highlights the crucial role this position plays in India's parliamentary system. Understanding the duties and responsibilities of the Speaker is essential for comprehending the functioning of the lower house of Parliament.
Constitutional Provisions
- Presiding Officer: The Speaker serves as the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, as stipulated in Article 93 of the Constitution, and is responsible for maintaining order during proceedings.
- Constitutional Functions: The Speaker certifies Money Bills under Article 110 and decides on disqualification of members under the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule).
- Rule Interpretation: The Speaker interprets and enforces the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, making rulings on points of order and parliamentary procedures.
Administrative Responsibilities
- House Management: The Speaker oversees the functioning of the Lok Sabha secretariat and determines the agenda of the House in consultation with the Business Advisory Committee.
- Committee Appointments: The Speaker nominates members to various parliamentary committees and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of certain committees.
- Inter-Parliamentary Relations: The Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in international parliamentary forums and hosts visiting delegations from foreign parliaments.
Judicial and Quasi-Judicial Functions
- Privilege Matters: The Speaker adjudicates on matters of privilege and contempt of the House, issuing warrants for breach when necessary.
- Disqualification Proceedings: As the sole arbiter in cases of disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law, the Speaker conducts hearings and passes orders.
- Notice Admissibility: The Speaker decides on the admissibility of notices for various parliamentary devices like adjournment motions and calling attention notices.
Guardian of Parliamentary Privileges
- Rights Protection: The Speaker protects the rights and privileges of members and the House as a whole, ensuring equal opportunities for participation.
- Minority Rights: The Speaker safeguards the rights of the minority and opposition in the House, maintaining a balance of power.
- Impartiality: Despite being elected on a party ticket, the Speaker is expected to conduct proceedings in a fair and unbiased manner.
Mains Practice Question
Q: “Discuss the significance of the Speaker's role in maintaining parliamentary democracy and the challenges faced in ensuring impartiality.”
PYQQ. ‘Once a Speaker always a speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implication for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (150 Words) (2020) |
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