UPSC Prelims 2004 Q95: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Who among the following was never the Lok Sabha Speaker?
- (a) K. V. K. Sundaram
- (b) G. S. Dhillon
- (c) Baliram Bhagat
- (d) Hukum Singh
Answer: (a) K. V. K. Sundaram
Explanation
Speakers of the Lok Sabha
| Person | Speaker? |
|---|---|
| G. S. Dhillon | Yes (1969-71 and 1971-75) |
| Baliram Bhagat | Yes (1976-77) |
| Hukum Singh | Yes (1962-67) |
| K. V. K. Sundaram | No — he was the Chief Election Commissioner and Chief Justice |
K. V. K. Sundaram was never the Lok Sabha Speaker; he served as Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Answer: (a) K. V. K. Sundaram.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Sundaram was never a Speaker.
- (b) Incorrect. G. S. Dhillon was Speaker.
- (c) Incorrect. Baliram Bhagat was Speaker.
- (d) Incorrect. Hukum Singh was Speaker.
Key point
Speakers: Mavalankar, Ayyangar, Hukum Singh, Reddy, Dhillon, Bhagat, Hegde, Balram Jakhar.
Remember
K. V. K. Sundaram was a Chief Election Commissioner, not a Speaker.
Common mistakes
- Mixing the CEC with the Speaker's office.
- Forgetting Hukum Singh was Speaker 1962-67.
- Not knowing that Sundaram was also Law Secretary.
Exam tip
K. V. K. Sundaram: first CEC after Sukumar Sen.
Sources
- Lok Sabha Secretariat — list of Speakers
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Parliament)