CAPF AC 2020 Q95: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
With regard to Panel of Chairperson, Lok Sabha, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Panel of Chairperson is drawn from the ruling party only
2. Panel of Chairperson is nominated by different political parties and appointed by Speaker, Lok Sabha
3. Panel of Chairperson consists of 10 members and one of them presides over the House when both Speaker and Deputy Speaker are not there
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 3
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 2 only
Answer: (b) 2 and 3
Explanation
Panel of Chairpersons of the Lok Sabha
How to think: kill the extreme statement first.
A panel from the ruling party only would not be fair, and it is not the practice.
With statement 1 gone, option (a) is out.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drawn from the ruling party only | Incorrect | Members of different parties, including the Opposition, are on the panel |
| 2. Nominated by different political parties and appointed by the Speaker | Correct as per the key | Parties suggest names; the Speaker nominates the panel |
| 3. Ten members; one presides when both Speaker and Deputy Speaker are absent | Correct | Rule 9: a panel of not more than ten |
Who presides over the Lok Sabha:
| Situation | Who presides |
|---|---|
| Speaker absent | Deputy Speaker |
| Both absent | A member of the Panel of Chairpersons |
| Both offices vacant | A member appointed by the President; the panel cannot preside |
The Rajya Sabha has a similar Panel of Vice-Chairpersons.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong; the panel is not limited to the ruling party.
- (b) CORRECT. The panel has members of different parties, up to ten, and one presides when both are absent.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also taken as right by the key.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 on the ten-member panel is also right.
Key point
Panel of Chairpersons (Rule 9, Lok Sabha): Speaker nominates up to ten members from different parties; one presides when Speaker and Deputy Speaker are absent, but not when both offices are vacant.
Remember
Panel of Chairpersons: up to ten, named by the Speaker, from different parties.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the panel can preside when the offices are vacant; the President then appoints a member.
- Saying the panel is elected by the House; the Speaker nominates it.
- Limiting the panel to the ruling party.
Exam tip
Educated guess: the word only in statement 1 is the weak point. Drop it and the choice narrows to (b), (c) or (d).
Sources
- Lok Sabha Secretariat — Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, Rule 9
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Parliament (Panel of Chairpersons)