Context

• More than a year after the 17th Lok Sabha was constituted, the constitutionally mandated post of Deputy Speaker is lying vacant.

Back to Basics

About the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker:

• Article 91 of the Constitution provides that while the office of Speaker is vacant, or during any period when the Vice-President is acting, or discharging the functions of President, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker.
• If the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the Council of State as the President may appoint for the purpose.
• It further mentions that during the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the House, the Deputy Chairman, or, if no such person, as may be determined by the Council shall act as Chairman.
• Similar Constitutional provisions are there in respect to the position of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Authorities of Deputy Speaker

• The constitutional office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is more symbolic of parliamentary democracy than some real authority.
• There is no need to resign from their original party though as a Deputy Speaker, they have to remain impartial.
• They act as the presiding officer in case of leave or in absence caused by death or illness of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Election

• Usually, the Deputy Speaker is elected in the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the General elections from amongst the members of the Lok Sabha.
• It is by convention that position of Deputy Speaker is offered to opposition party in India.

Tenure and removal

• They hold office until either they cease to be a member of the Lok Sabha or they resign.
• They can be removed from office by a resolution passed in the Lok Sabha by an effective majority of its members.

Source: The Hindu & Wikipedia