Legislative authorities leading in the Parliament
In the heart of India's democratic system, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha plays a crucial role as both a member and an arbiter. This pivotal figure is responsible for maintaining the orderly functioning of the House, ensuring adherence to constitutional provisions, and fostering trust across political lines through apolitical conduct.
The Speaker's office, a formal institution that evolved from the British colonial era and was enshrined in India's Constitution, is a cornerstone of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker presides over sessions, controlling the agenda and proceedings, maintains decorum, and decides on legislative procedures, including classifying bills. They also have the authority to rule on disqualification of members on grounds of defection, a power that was established after the 52nd Amendment.
One of the most significant decisions the Speaker makes is classifying a bill as a money bill. In India, if the Speaker of the Lok Sabha endorses a bill as a money bill when it is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha and presented to the President for assent, their decision is final and cannot be questioned in any court of law or in either the House of Parliament or even the President.
The Speaker's impartiality is essential for the effective and fair functioning of the Lok Sabha. An impartial Speaker ensures balanced management of debates, equitable treatment of all parties, and fair handling of motions and discipline. This promotes trust in the legislative process and upholds democratic norms. When the Speaker is firmly non-partisan, it helps preserve the dignity of the House and facilitates smoother functioning even in politically polarized scenarios.
Historically, G.V. Mavlankar, the Speaker of the First Lok Sabha, played a crucial role in shaping the institution. As a moderator, facilitator, and statesman, he established rules, procedures, conventions, and customs that suited the ethos of the land. Devices like Short Notice Questions and Half-an-Hour Discussions were introduced as means to make the Government truly accountable to the Parliament.
In the United Kingdom, the Speaker also plays a vital role, severing all ties with their political party while in office to be seen as an impartial presiding officer. After leaving office, they usually take no part in party politics, often sitting as a crossbencher if elevated to the House of Lords. In the UK, the speaker can be re-elected if they are still a member of the house and willing to do so.
In India, the Speaker enjoys many powers to function in an independent manner. However, once elected, the Speaker is expected to act with impartiality and relinquish overt party affiliations during their tenure to maintain the credibility of the office.
In summary, the Speaker holds a pivotal constitutional and procedural office, blending the roles of a member and an arbiter who safeguards parliamentary decorum, ensures adherence to constitutional provisions, and fosters trust across political lines through apolitical conduct. The office thus underpins the smooth functioning and legitimacy of the Lok Sabha within India's parliamentary democracy.
- The Speaker's role in classifying a bill as a money bill, a decision that is final and cannot be questioned, highlights the importance of policy-and-legislation in the Lok Sabha.
- In maintaining the orderly functioning of the House, the Speaker's impartial conduct contributes to the general-news worthy discussions and debates in the Indian parliamentary democracy.
