Question

Q. Which of the following statements is correct about the “Office of Speaker” in the Indian parliamentary system?

• A.
  He is appointed by the President for conducting all the Parliamentary affairs.
• B.
  He cannot vote for the resolution that seeks his removal from the House.
• C.
  He can resign by writing to the Deputy Speaker of the House.
• D.
  He vacates his office immediately whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

He can resign by writing to the Deputy Speaker of the House.

Statement a is incorrect.

The Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members. Whenever the office of the Speaker falls vacant, the Lok Sabha elects another member to fill the vacancy. The date of election of the Speaker is fixed by the President.

Statement b is incorrect.

When a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration of the House, he cannot preside at the sitting of the House, though he may be present. However, he can speak and take part in the proceedings of the House at such a time and vote in the first instance, though not in the case of an equality of votes.

Statement c is correct.

Usually, the Speaker remains in office during the life of the Lok Sabha. However, he has to vacate his office earlier in any of the following three cases:

1. If he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha;
2. If he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker; and
3. If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha. Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.

Statement d is incorrect.

Whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Speaker does not vacate his office and continues till the newly-elected Lok Sabha meets.