When the Lok Sabha is in session, the Speaker does not make a speech. Nor does he take part in the discussion. He speaks a little; still he is the Speaker. His contribution to the smooth conduct of the session is very important. How effective and dignified the Sabha would be significantly depends on the role of the Speaker. He is the symbol of powers, rights and dignity of the Lok Sabha.

The Speaker of the House of Commons in Britain is impartial and nonpartisan, contests in the next election; the Opposition does not field a candidate against him. continues to be the Speaker so long as he remains a member of the House of Commons, only does he function in a nonpartisan manner, the people of Britain also believe that nonpartisan and impartial. This healthy tradition is yet to be established in our country,

If the Speaker in our country contests in the next Lok Sabha election, he is opposed one or more than one candidate. Even if the Speaker is impartial and nonpartisan in role, other parties do not have much faith in his impartiality.

Although the Speaker does not take active part in politics, he does not cut off his link with his political party. Speaker of the Lok Sabha is less nonpartisan than the Speaker of the House of Co of Britain, but he is believed to be more nonpartisan than the Speaker of the House Representatives of the United States of America.

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The first UPA government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh concluded the In American Civil Nuclear Agreement or the 123 Agreement. It then sought the confide vote of the Lok Sabha. The CPI (M) opposed this agreement. This party directed the Speaker Somanath Chatterjee who belonged to CPI (M) to resign from the post of Speaker. As refused to resign, he was expelled from the party. Sri Chatterjee argued that though el to Lok Sabha on the CPI (M) ticket, he was non-partisan (above party politics) after became the Speaker. But his party did not accept his view.

If, as in Britain, we can build the tradition of getting the Speaker elected in the Lok Sa election without any contest, then the efficiency and honour of the Speaker of Lok Sabha be substantially enhanced.

Deputy Speaker:

The Deputy Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha. He may resign f” his post or he may be dismissed from his post if a no-confidence motion against him passed. This motion needs to be moved with a 14-day notice and passed by the Lok Sabha with simple majority.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides over the meeting of Sabha and conducts his other functions.