Answer

The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the second-highest authority in the lower house of India’s Parliament, ensuring continuity in legislative proceedings. Elected under Article 93 of the Constitution, the Deputy Speaker presides over sessions in the Speaker’s absence and upholds parliamentary decorum.​

Constitutional Provisions Regarding the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Mandatory Election under Article 93: The Constitution mandates the Lok Sabha to elect a Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be,” ensuring legislative proceedings are not hindered.
  For example: The 17th Lok Sabha is the first and only Lok Sabha that did not have a deputy speaker violating the constitutional requirement.
• Powers under Article 95: In the Speaker’s absence, the Deputy Speaker discharges all associated duties, enabling the uninterrupted functioning of the House.
• Provision for Removal – Article 94: The Deputy Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by the majority of the Lok Sabha, ensuring accountability and internal checks.
  For example: Though no Deputy Speaker has been removed so far, this mechanism provides constitutional safeguards against misuse of authority.
• Expected Political Neutrality: The Deputy Speaker is expected to function impartially, often coming from the opposition to ensure balanced legislative deliberation.
  For example: Charanjit Singh Atwal (2004–09), from the opposition, upheld neutrality and efficiently presided over proceedings when required.
• Oversight of Legislative Committees: The Deputy Speaker chairs key parliamentary committees, playing a central role in shaping legislative business and oversight.
  For example: The Deputy Speaker acts as chairman of the Committee on Private Members’ Bills, influencing the agenda of non-government legislation.

Impact of Prolonged Vacancy on India’s Governance System

Institutional Balance

• Disruption in House Functioning: Without a Deputy Speaker, legislative operations face procedural delays and weakened leadership in the Speaker’s absence.
  For example: During the Speaker’s absence in the 17th Lok Sabha, key sessions proceeded without an alternate presiding authority, affecting decision-making quality.
• Breach of Constitutional Intent: The continued vacancy disregards the constitutional directive under Article 93, undermining the supremacy of the Constitution.
• Weakening Oversight Capacity: Absence of the Deputy Speaker reduces scrutiny of government actions and hinders committee performance.
  For example: Several parliamentary committees faced irregular meetings due to lack of leadership normally provided by the Deputy Speaker.

Parliamentary Democracy

• Dilution of Democratic Norms: Not appointing an opposition Deputy Speaker sidelines democratic traditions and bipartisan engagement.
  For example: Previous Lok Sabhas maintained a tradition of offering the post to opposition members, promoting inclusive debate and dissent.
• Eroded Accountability Mechanism: The lack of an alternate presiding officer undermines the legislative’s ability to question the executive.
• Public Distrust in Parliamentary Norms: Citizens perceive this inaction as weakening the Parliament’s commitment to constitutional processes.
  

Federal Structure

• Negative Precedent for States: Central inaction on this appointment encourages states to adopt similar delays, weakening federal legislative standards.
• Reduced Regional Representation: The position offers an opportunity to reflect regional diversity and balance in legislative leadership.
  For example: Deputy Speakers in the past hailed from states like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab, representing wider regional inclusion.
• Strain on Cooperative Federalism: Avoiding opposition or regional appointments reflects centralisation and limits federal dialogue.
  For example: Exclusion of opposition-led states in Union leadership roles fuels perceptions of one-sided governance.

The Deputy Speaker is essential for ensuring constitutional continuity, impartial leadership, and efficient parliamentary functioning. The prolonged vacancy undermines India’s democratic framework. Addressing this through timely elections and global best practices is critical to uphold institutional balance, cooperative federalism, and public trust in legislative governance.

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