UPSC Prelims 2022 Q20: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
1. As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy
Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix.
2. There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party.
3. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of
the House and no appeal lies against his rulings.
4. The well - established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is
that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 3 and 4 only
- (d) 2 and 4 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Election held on a date fixed by the Speaker | Correct | Rule 8 of the Lok Sabha Rules says so |
| 2. Must be from the principal opposition or ruling party | Wrong | No such rule; by convention the post often goes to the opposition, but it is not mandatory |
| 3. Same powers as the Speaker when presiding; no appeal against rulings | Correct | While presiding, the Deputy Speaker acts with the full powers of the Speaker |
| 4. Motion moved by the Speaker and seconded by the PM | Wrong | No such practice; the motion is moved by a member and seconded by another member |
Key facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Article | 93 — Lok Sabha chooses a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker |
| Removal | Resolution passed by a majority of all members (Art 94) |
| Resignation | Addressed to the Speaker |
| Recent issue | The post stayed vacant through the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–24) |
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Speaker fixes the date (Rule 8), and the Deputy Speaker has the Speaker's powers while presiding.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; there is no mandatory party rule for the post.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 4 is false; the Speaker does not move the motion.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 4 are both false.
Key point
Deputy Speaker: Art 93; Speaker fixes election date (Rule 8); full Speaker's powers when presiding; no mandatory party rule.
Remember
The Speaker fixes the date of the Deputy Speaker's election, and the Deputy Speaker has full powers when presiding.
Common mistakes
- Treating the convention of an opposition Deputy Speaker as a legal requirement.
- Thinking the Deputy Speaker is subordinate while presiding; he has the same powers as the Speaker then.
- Believing the Speaker moves the election motion; a member does.
Exam tip
Rules vs conventions: UPSC loves statements that turn a convention into a 'mandatory provision'.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 93–96
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha — Rule 8
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Parliament)