| Context: The Deputy Speaker’s position in the Lok Sabha has remained vacant since 2019, despite constitutional and parliamentary conventions mandating its early appointment. This has sparked debate over constitutional adherence, democratic resilience, and the health of India’s parliamentary democracy. |
Model Answer:
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a constitutionally mandated office under Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, intended to ensure continuity, neutrality, and effective functioning of the House. Traditionally, this post is offered to the Opposition to foster bipartisan cooperation and balance.
Constitutional and Functional Significance:
- Continuity of Proceedings: The Deputy Speaker presides in the absence of the Speaker, ensuring uninterrupted legislative business.
Example: Article 180 empowers the Deputy Speaker to act as Speaker during vacancy or absence.
- Constitutional Mandate: Article 93 uses the phrase “as soon as may be,” indicating urgency in appointment, not discretion.
Example: The absence of a timeline has led to interpretational delays and current vacancy.
- Committee Oversight: The Deputy Speaker often chairs key parliamentary committees, enhancing legislative scrutiny.
Example: Heads the Private Member’s Bills and Budget Committees.
Democratic and Political Significance:
- Opposition Representation: Conventionally, the post is given to the Opposition, promoting inclusivity and balance.
Example: This practice enhances trust and cooperative functioning in a majoritarian system.
- Neutral Arbiter: The Deputy Speaker is expected to act impartially, especially during contentious debates or when the Speaker’s impartiality is questioned.
Example: Presides over debates on sensitive issues, maintaining decorum and fairness.
Implications of Prolonged Vacancy:
- Constitutional Vacuum: The vacancy undermines Articles 93, 94, and 180, and violates the Rules of Procedure.
Example: Centralizes authority in the Speaker, often from the ruling party, reducing checks and balances.
- Weakening of Parliamentary Conventions: Ignoring the tradition of offering the post to the Opposition erodes the spirit of consensus and bipartisanship.
Example: Current deadlock between government and Opposition over appointment.
- Risk to Democratic Resilience: In the event of the Speaker’s resignation or incapacitation, the absence of a Deputy Speaker could lead to a constitutional crisis.
Example: No clear authority to preside, potentially stalling legislative work.
Significance for Parliamentary Democracy:
- Institutional Balance: The Deputy Speaker’s office is vital for maintaining the balance of power and upholding the principle of shared governance.
- Safeguard Against Majoritarianism: It acts as a check on the executive’s dominance in the legislature, strengthening parliamentary accountability.
Conclusion:
The Deputy Speaker’s office is indispensable for the smooth, impartial, and resilient functioning of Parliament. Its prolonged vacancy not only violates constitutional intent and conventions but also weakens the foundations of India’s parliamentary democracy. Timely appointment, preferably from the Opposition, is essential to uphold the spirit of cooperative federalism, consensus-building, and constitutional governance.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- Constitutional Provisions: Articles 93, 94, 180 (Lok Sabha); Article 178 (State Assemblies)
- Rules of Procedure: Rule 8, Lok Sabha (1952) – Speaker to fix date for Deputy Speaker’s election
- Quote: “Parliamentary democracy thrives on conventions as much as on statutes.” – Subhash Kashyap
- Committee: 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) – Stressed the need for bipartisan functioning of presiding officers
- Best Practice: UK House of Commons elects Deputy Speakers from both government and opposition benches
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