The Lok Sabha’s Deputy Speaker post, vacant since 2019, sparks controversy as the government rejects the convention of appointing an opposition member. This six-year impasse, defying Article 93, fuels a power struggle. Amending laws to enforce timely elections and honoring traditions could restore balance, ensuring democratic stability over political dominance.
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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU
The position of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has been lying vacant for over six years.
June 2019 => The 16th Lok Sabha's Deputy Speaker's term concluded.
17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) => The entire 17th Lok Sabha functioned without a Deputy Speaker, breaking with constitutional convention and parliamentary tradition.
June 2024 => 18th Lok Sabha formed but Opposition demands Deputy Speaker position in exchange for supporting NDA's Speaker candidate. Government refuses the traditional arrangement.
Present (2025) => Position remains vacant for over 6 years, creating unprecedented constitutional and democratic challenges.
He is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves. When the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker presides over the sessions and has the same powers and responsibilities as the Speaker.
Their main functions include maintaining order and decorum in the House, interpreting the Rules of Procedure and putting questions to vote. He is also part of various parliamentary committees.
Traditionally, the position has been offered to a member from the opposition party to ensure a sense of impartiality and balanced representation in the House leadership.
He can be removed from office by a resolution passed by the Lok Sabha. This resolution must be supported by a majority of all the then members of the House.
Article 93 => The Speaker and Deputy Speaker
"The House of the People shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker thereof."
Article 94 => Tenure and Resignation
Reinforces the continuity of the Deputy Speaker's office until resignation, removal, or disqualification.
Article 95(1) => Powers and Duties
The Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker when the Speaker's chair is vacant.
Primary Issue: Convention v/s Power Politics
The ruling government has allegedly refused to follow the traditional convention of offering the Deputy Speaker position to an Opposition member, leading to this prolonged impasse.
Government's Position
Rationale: No constitutional mandate to give position to opposition
Impact: Maintains complete control over parliamentary proceedings
Criticism: Violates democratic spirit and parliamentary conventions
Opposition's Stance
Demand: Deputy Speaker position as per convention
Leverage: Support for Speaker election in exchange
Result: Deadlock leading to continued vacancy
Amend Article 93 to require the Deputy Speaker’s election within 60 days of the Lok Sabha’s first sitting.
Allow the President to intervene if the post remains vacant, ensuring constitutional compliance.
The government should honor the convention of giving the Deputy Speaker role to the opposition to restore balance.
Both sides must negotiate to end the deadlock, prioritizing democratic stability over political wins.
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Post of Deputy Speaker is Not Symbolic or Optional
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. "Discuss the constitutional significance of the Deputy Speaker and analyze the implications of keeping this position vacant." 250 words |
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