Question map
In the Lok Sabha, unless there is a quorum, the Speaker should not conduct the proceedings. To ensure this
Explanation
In the Lok Sabha, the quorum is defined as one-tenth of the total membership of the House, including the presiding officer [3]. According to Article 100(4) of the Constitution and established parliamentary practice, it is the duty of the Speaker to adjourn or suspend the House if there is no quorum [3]. However, the procedural mechanism for ensuring this relies on the principle that the Speaker does not proactively count heads throughout the day. While the quorum is technically ascertained at the beginning of a sitting [t1], during the rest of the day's proceedings, the Speaker relies on a member to raise the 'point of order' regarding the lack of quorum [t1]. If a member brings this to the Speaker's notice, the quorum bell is rung, and if a quorum is still not achieved, the House is adjourned [t1][t3]. Thus, the Speaker primarily relies on members to flag the deficiency.
Sources
- [3] https://www.istm.gov.in/uploads/tenders/17037622321674040155Parliamentary_Procedure.pdf