Context of the Editorial:

• The post of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha has remained vacant since 2019 (17th Lok Sabha).
  
  
• The editorial critiques the institutional vacuum, argues for its constitutional necessity, and discusses its parliamentary and democratic significance.
  
  

📌 Key Issues Highlighted:

1. 🔖 Constitutional Mandate under Article 93:

• Article 93 mandates: “The House of the People shall, as soon as may be, choose two members… to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.”
  
  
• The phrase “as soon as may be” implies urgency, not discretion.
  
  
• The Deputy Speaker is not an optional post; it is integral to the parliamentary structure and continuity.
  
  

2. 🏛️ Historical and Institutional Significance:

• The post existed even during British colonial times (as Deputy President of Central Legislative Assembly).
  
  
• The first Deputy Speaker of independent India was A. Ayyangar (1950).
  
  
• It has functioned as a constitutional safeguard, offering non-disruptive backup during the Speaker’s absence or demise.
  
  

3. ⚖️ Parliamentary Role and Responsibilities:

• The Deputy Speaker can:
  
  
  • Preside over sessions,
    
    
  • Head select committees,
    
    
  • Handle sensitive debates,
    
    
  • Uphold neutrality and procedural integrity.
    
    
• Functions on equal footing with the Speaker, enhancing institutional resilience.
  
  

4. 🤝 Importance of Bipartisanship & Neutrality:

• Traditionally, the Deputy Speaker post is often offered to the Opposition.
  
  
  • This reinforces the non-partisan ethos of the office.
    
    
  • Encourages trust and cooperation across party lines.
    
    
• The current vacancy breaks this tradition, weakening democratic credibility.
  
  

5. 🚨 Ongoing Constitutional Vacuum (17th Lok Sabha):

• The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–present) has not elected a Deputy Speaker – an anomaly in parliamentary history.
  
  
• While the Constitution doesn’t specify a timeline, such long delay undermines the spirit of the Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent.
  
  
• Weakens institutional safeguards and reflects executive dominance over the legislature.
  
  

6. 📣 Need for Reform and Accountability:

• The authors propose legislative reform to:
  
  
  • Fix a statutory deadline (e.g., 60 days from the first sitting) for electing Deputy Speaker.
    
    
  • Or, amend rules to empower the President to initiate the election process.
    
    
• Suggest a structural mechanism to ensure the post is filled promptly.
  
  

7. ⚖️ Ethical and Democratic Implications:

• Keeping the post vacant:
  
  
  • Undermines consensus politics and institutional balance.
    
    
  • Signals a majoritarian and centralised executive approach.
    
    

📘 GS Paper II – Indian Constitution & Parliamentary Institutions

“The Deputy Speaker’s post is a constitutional necessity, not a discretionary appointment.” Examine the significance of the Deputy Speaker in ensuring continuity and balance in parliamentary proceedings.