Question map
Which one of the following is not a power of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
Explanation
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha does not vote in the first instance during ordinary proceedings. According to Article 100 of the Constitution, the Speaker (or person acting as such) shall not vote in the first instance but shall exercise a casting vote only in the case of an equality of votes (a tie). The only exception is when a resolution for the Speaker's removal is under consideration; in that specific instance, the Speaker can vote in the first instance but cannot exercise a casting vote [2]. Regarding other powers, the Speaker is the presiding officer of the House of the People [2]. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and decorum within the House. Additionally, the Speaker has the authority to adjourn the House or suspend a meeting if there is no quorum, which is defined as one-tenth of the total membership [3].
Sources
- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Speaker of Lok Sabha > p. 230
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Speaker of Lok Sabha > p. 230
- [3] https://www.jstor.org/stable/43950318