UPSC Prelims 2012 Q9: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements :
1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President.
2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a
member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election.
3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy
Speaker.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) None
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Office of the Lok Sabha Speaker
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President | Incorrect | Removed only by a resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members, with 14 days' notice |
| 2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of election | Incorrect | The Speaker is elected from among the members (Article 93) |
| 3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker | Correct | Article 94 |
More on the Speaker:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vote | Only a casting vote in a tie |
| Money Bill | Certifies it; the decision is final |
| Joint sitting | Presides over it |
| After dissolution | Stays in office until the new Lok Sabha first meets |
| Deputy Speaker's resignation | Addressed to the Speaker |
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are both false.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 3 is right: the Speaker resigns to the Deputy Speaker.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is true.
Key point
Speaker: elected from members (Article 93); resigns to the Deputy Speaker (Article 94); removed by a majority of all then members; casting vote only.
Remember
Speaker resigns to the Deputy Speaker.
Common mistakes
- Applying the 'pleasure of the President' rule to the Speaker.
- Confusing the Speaker with a Minister, who has six months to become a member.
- Forgetting that the Speaker continues after dissolution.
Exam tip
Speaker and Deputy Speaker resign to each other.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 93 and 94
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Parliament (presiding officers)