Question map
Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements: 1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President. 2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election. 3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, statement 1 is incorrect because the Speaker does not hold office during the pleasure of the President; rather, he/she usually remains in office for the life of the Lok Sabha [2]. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Constitution requires the Speaker to be elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its existing members [1]. Unlike Ministers, there is no provision for a non-member to be elected Speaker and then seek membership within six months. Statement 3 is correct as per Article 94 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the Speaker may resign by writing under his/her hand addressed to the Deputy Speaker [2]. Therefore, only the third statement is accurate regarding the resignation procedure and tenure of the office.
Sources
- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Speaker of Lok Sabha > p. 229
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Speaker of Lok Sabha > p. 229