The Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha: Election, Powers and Historical Evolution

The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, elected by its members as per Article 93, assumes the Speaker’s duties when the Speaker is absent or the position is vacant. This role, established under the Montague-Chelmsford Act of 1919, ensures continuity in parliamentary proceedings. The Deputy Speaker can participate in debates and votes like an ordinary member, reflecting their significant yet distinct responsibilities. Notably, since the 11th Lok Sabha, the position often goes to the opposition party.

The Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

The Role and Election of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha

• Election of the Deputy Speaker: As per Article 93 the members of the Lok Sabha elect the Deputy Speaker from amongst themselves who presides over the deliberations of the House when the office of the Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is absent from a sitting. 
  • The Speaker fixes the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker. 
• Powers and Tenure: The  Deputy Speaker is vested with the same powers as the Speaker when presiding over a sitting of the House. 
  • He remains in the office during the whole life of the current Lok Sabha. 
• Grounds for Vacating Office: He may vacate his office in the following manner: 
  • If he is no longer a member of the House. 
  • If he presents his resignation to the Speaker in writing.
  • If he is removed by the House through a resolution passed by the majority of the then members of the House i.e effective majority and this resolution requires a 14 days’ advance notice.
• Convention of Opposition Representation: As per convention, since the 11th Lok Sabha, the position of the Deputy Speaker generally goes to the opposition party. 
• Role in Parliamentary Committees: The Deputy Speaker, on being a member of a Parliamentary  Committee, automatically becomes the Chairman of that Committee. 
• Participation in House Deliberations: He, unlike the Speaker, can speak in the House, take part in its deliberations, and vote as a member on any question before the House, but he can do so only when the Speaker is presiding. 
• Current Status of the Deputy Speaker: 17th Lok Sabha has not yet elected the Deputy Speaker.

Evolution of the Offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in India

• Origin of the Offices: The office of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker originated in 1921 under the purview of the Montague-Chelmsford Act, of 1919. 
• Presiding Authority Before 1921: Before 1921, the meetings of the Central Legislative Council were presided over by the Governor-General of India. 
• Titles and Appointments in 1921: In 1921, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker were called the President and the Deputy-President respectively. Frederick Whyte and Sachidanand Sinha were appointed to these offices by the Governor-General of India in 1921 respectively.
• First Elected Speaker: The first Indian and the first elected speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly was Vithalbhai J. Patel. 
• Changes Post-Government of India Act, 1935: Government of India Act, 1935 changed the designation of the President and the Deputy President to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker but as the 1935 Act was not implemented, older nomenclature continued till independence.
• First Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha: After independence, G.V. Mavalankar and Ananthasayanam Ayyangar became the first Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Comparison between Speaker and Deputy Speaker 

Conclusion

The Deputy Speaker’s role is vital for maintaining the orderly functioning of the Lok Sabha, stepping in seamlessly when the Speaker is unavailable. 

• With historical roots and clearly defined duties, the position exemplifies democratic principles and impartiality. 
• The Speaker Pro Tem and Panel of Chairpersons further ensure the smooth operation of the House. These roles collectively uphold the parliamentary process and facilitate effective governance.

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