Part V: The Union

Chapter II: Parliament

Officers of Parliament

Article 93: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of the People

Overview of Article 93: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

--- Original Article ---

The House of the People shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker thereof and, so often as the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker becomes vacant, the House shall choose another member to be Speaker or Deputy Speaker, as the case may be.

Explanation

Article 93 in the Indian Constitution defines the election process and roles of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker within the House of the People (Lok Sabha). These offices are central to the effective functioning of parliamentary democracy, facilitating legislative debate and ensuring order.

Clause-by-Clause Breakdown

1. Mandate for Election

The Lok Sabha must elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker as early as possible. The Speaker serves as the presiding officer, safeguarding procedural integrity, while the Deputy Speaker acts as an auxiliary figure, stepping in during the Speaker’s absence.

2. Ensuring Continuity

Whenever a vacancy arises, the Article requires the House to fill the position promptly, thereby maintaining continuity in leadership. This provision reinforces the roles’ importance and assures that the House's leadership is not disrupted.

Real-Life Examples and Historical Significance

**Real-Life Example:**

In 2019, Om Birla was elected as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, reinforcing the significance of impartiality, as the Speaker ensures fair debate and maintains decorum. Similarly, the Deputy Speaker acts as a substitute when the Speaker is unavailable.

**Historical Significance:**

The origins of this provision can be traced to the parliamentary traditions of the United Kingdom, where the Speaker is a vital component of the legislature. India’s adoption of a similar structure reflects the influence of the British parliamentary system, aiming to uphold a balanced and effective legislative process.

References

  • The Constitution of India, Article 93
  • Legal Commentaries on the Indian Constitution
  • Parliamentary Literature on the Role of Speaker and Deputy Speaker

Legislative History: Debates and Amendments

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, originally drafted as Article 76 in the Draft Constitution, was officially incorporated into the Indian Constitution on May 19, 1949. During the debate, Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad defended his proposal to allow a Deputy Speaker to seek re-election after losing their seat, although the amendment was ultimately rejected. The Drafting Committee, led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, incorporated the final version as it stands today.

Article 92 Article 94

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the role of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker serves as the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, ensuring procedural integrity, maintaining order during debates, and representing the House to the President and other authorities.

Q2: How is the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha chosen?

The Deputy Speaker is elected by members of the Lok Sabha, following the election of the Speaker, to assist in presiding over House proceedings and act in the Speaker’s absence.

More Information

For more detailed insights into the functions and responsibilities of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, visit the official Lok Sabha website.