The Parliament (Indian Polity and Governance) Part-II

Total Questions: 44

21. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha addresses his letter of resignation to the- [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008, 2014]

Correct Answer: (c) Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
Solution:The Speaker of the Lok Sabha may at any time, by writing under his hand addressed to the Deputy Speaker, resign from his office. This provision has been made in Article 94, which deals with vacation resignation, and the Deputy Speaker.

Tenure of Speaker of Lok Sabha

  • The Speaker remains in office during the life of the Lok Sabha.
  • However, the Speaker has to vacate his/her office earlier in any of the following three cases:
    If he/she ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha,
    If he/she resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker, and
    If he/she is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (i.e. an Effective Majority).
  • Whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Speaker of Lok Sabha does not vacate his/her office and continues till the newly-elected Lok Sabha meets.

22. How can the speaker of the Lok Sabha be removed? [M.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 1994]

Correct Answer: (b) By a resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the members of the House.
Solution:The procedure for removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha has been made under Article 94(c). The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker may be removed from his office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen (14) days notice has been given to the Speaker of the intention to move the resolution.

23. The Speaker of Lok Sabha can be removed from his office before the expiry of his term- [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007]

Correct Answer: (b) If the Lok Sabha passes a resolution to this effect.
Solution:The procedure for removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha has been made under Article 94(c). The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker may be removed from his office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen (14) days notice has been given to the Speaker of the intention to move the resolution.

24. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can be removed by- [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]

Correct Answer: (a) A resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by a majority of the members of the House.
Solution:The procedure for removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha has been made under Article 94(c). The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker may be removed from his office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen (14) days notice has been given to the Speaker of the intention to move the resolution.

25. Which one of the following statements regarding the office of the Speaker is correct? [I.A.S. (Pre) 1993]

Correct Answer: (d) If he intends to resign the letter of his resignation is to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker.
Solution:According to Article 94, the Speaker must be a member of the House at the time of his election for the office. The Speaker may be removed by a resolution of a majority of members of the House. According to Article 94, whenever the House is dissolved, the Speaker shall not vacate his office until immediately before the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the dissolution. According to Article 94(b), if the Speaker intends to resign, the letter of his resignation is to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker. So, in the given statements, (a), (b), and (c) are wrong, and statement (d) is correct.

26. Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]

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 statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) Only 3
Solution:The Speaker of the House of the People shall be chosen by the members of the Lok Sabha among themselves. He may be removed from the office by a resolution passed by the majority of all the then members of the House. The Speaker may address his resignation to the Deputy Speaker of the House.

Tenure of Speaker of Lok Sabha

  • The Speaker remains in office during the life of the Lok Sabha.
  • However, the Speaker has to vacate his/her office earlier in any of the following three cases:
    If he/she ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha,
    If he/she resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker, and
    If he/she is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (i.e. an Effective Majority).
  • Whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Speaker of Lok Sabha does not vacate his/her office and continues till the newly-elected Lok Sabha meets.

27. The function of the Pro-tem Speaker is to- [U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Administer oath to members.
Solution:As soon as the new Government is formed, the Legislative section of the Parliament prepares a list of the senior most Lok Sabha members, and one of them is appointed as Pro-tem Speaker. The function of pro-tem Speaker is to administer the oath to the newly elected members of the House and conduct proceedings till a regular Speaker is chosen.

Significance of Speaker of Lok Sabha
The Speaker of Lok Sabha holds significant importance in the Indian parliamentary system. The major significance of the Speaker of Lok Sabha can be seen as follows:

  • Orderly Functioning of House - The Speaker ensures orderly conduct of proceedings, maintaining decorum, and upholding the rules of the House.
  • Impartiality-The Speaker is expected to maintain impartiality and fairness while conducting the business of the house. They are responsible for giving all members an equal opportunity to express their views.
  • Decision-Making - The Speaker makes crucial decisions on matters of parliamentary procedure, interpretation of rules, and maintaining discipline among members.
  • Committee Appointments - The Speaker plays a role in appointing members to various parliamentary committees, which are essential for the functioning of the legislative process.
  • Custodian of Parliamentary Privileges - The Speaker safeguards the privileges of the members and the dignity of the house, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with respect and integrity.
  • Bridge between House and Government - The Speaker represents the collective voice of the Lok Sabha. He/she acts as a bridge between the members and the government, ensuring that the concerns of the members are addressed.
  • Symbol of Authority - The Speaker symbolizes the authority of the Lok Sabha and is responsible for upholding the sanctity of the parliamentary institution.

28. Who is generally appointed as a Protem Speaker? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]

Correct Answer: (c) One of the senior most members of the newly elected Lok Sabha.
Solution:As soon as the new Government is formed, the legislative section of parliament prepares a list of the senior most Lok Sabha members. This list is then submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary affairs for the appointment of pro-tem Speaker. Thereafter, the minister submits a note to the President seeking his approval for the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker.

Significance of Speaker of Lok Sabha
The Speaker of Lok Sabha holds significant importance in the Indian parliamentary system. The major significance of the Speaker of Lok Sabha can be seen as follows:

  • Orderly Functioning of House - The Speaker ensures orderly conduct of proceedings, maintaining decorum, and upholding the rules of the House.
  • Impartiality-The Speaker is expected to maintain impartiality and fairness while conducting the business of the house. They are responsible for giving all members an equal opportunity to express their views.
  • Decision-Making - The Speaker makes crucial decisions on matters of parliamentary procedure, interpretation of rules, and maintaining discipline among members.
  • Committee Appointments - The Speaker plays a role in appointing members to various parliamentary committees, which are essential for the functioning of the legislative process.
  • Custodian of Parliamentary Privileges - The Speaker safeguards the privileges of the members and the dignity of the house, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are conducted with respect and integrity.
  • Bridge between House and Government - The Speaker represents the collective voice of the Lok Sabha. He/she acts as a bridge between the members and the government, ensuring that the concerns of the members are addressed.
  • Symbol of Authority - The Speaker symbolizes the authority of the Lok Sabha and is responsible for upholding the sanctity of the parliamentary institution.

29. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha makes use of his casting vote only- [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]

Correct Answer: (d) In case of a tie when votes are equally divided
Solution:Article 100 (1) of the Constitution provides a procedure for voting in the Houses. Any question at any sitting shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. According to 100(1), the Speaker or person acting as Chairman or Speaker, shall not vote in the first instance, but shall have and exercise a "casting vote" in the case of an equality of votes. Article 96 gives a different exercise of casting a vote by the Speaker. According to Article 96(2), the Speaker shall have the right to cast a vote in the first instance on the question of resolution for his removal, but not in the case of equality of votes.

30. Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution provides that the Speaker shall have and exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015]

Correct Answer: (c) Article 100
Solution:Article 100 (1) of the Constitution provides a procedure for voting in the Houses. Any question at any sitting shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. According to 100(1), the Speaker or person acting as Chairman or Speaker, shall not vote in the first instance, but shall have and exercise a "casting vote" in the case of an equality of votes. Article 96 gives a different exercise of casting a vote by the Speaker. According to Article 96(2), the Speaker shall have the right to cast a vote in the first instance on the question of resolution for his removal, but not in the case of equality of votes.