CAPF AC 2020 Q109: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Which of the following statements with regard to the Speaker, Lok Sabha is/are correct?
1. The election of the Speaker of Lok Sabha is conducted by the Election Commission of India
2. The Speaker on assuming his office is not required to make and subscribe oath or affirmation
3. The Speaker does not exercise a casting vote in case of equality of votes
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3
- (c) 1 only
- (d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation
Speaker of the Lok Sabha: election, oath and casting vote
How to think: test statement 3 first.
The casting vote is the best known power of the Speaker, so statement 3 is false.
That removes (b) and (d).
The Election Commission runs public elections, not elections inside the House, so statement 1 is false too.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Election Commission conducts the Speaker's election | Incorrect | The Lok Sabha elects the Speaker from among its members; the President fixes the date |
| 2. The Speaker takes no oath on assuming office | Correct | There is no separate oath for the Speaker; only the oath as a member |
| 3. The Speaker does not exercise a casting vote | Incorrect | The Speaker has a casting vote in a tie (Article 100) |
Voting by the Speaker:
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Ordinary vote | Does not vote in the first instance |
| Tie | Uses the casting vote |
| Resolution for own removal | Votes in the first instance; no casting vote |
Answer: (a) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is right; the Speaker takes no separate oath of office.
- (b) Incorrect. Both statements 1 and 3 are wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. The Election Commission has no role in electing the Speaker.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is wrong; the Speaker does have a casting vote.
Key point
Speaker: elected by the Lok Sabha (date fixed by the President), no separate oath as Speaker, no vote in the first instance, casting vote in a tie (Article 100).
Remember
Speaker: no separate oath; casting vote only in a tie.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Election Commission conducts every election, including the Speaker's.
- Assuming the Speaker takes a special oath like the President or a Minister.
- Mixing up not voting in the first instance with having no vote at all.
Exam tip
Educated guess: statement 3 denies the casting vote, which everyone knows the Speaker has. Two options fall at once.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 93, 99 and 100, Third Schedule
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Parliament (Speaker of Lok Sabha)