ROLE OF SPEAKER IN LOK SABHA

The Speaker is Lok Sabha is the one presides the meetings and sessions being conducted at the proceedings Lok Sabha. The speaker and deputy – speaker (is one who works in the absence of the Speaker) is elected among the members of the Lok Sabha itself. And with respect to resignation of the position, the Speaker can resign from the position after giving the same in writing to the Deputy Speaker and vice – versa. In case if the Lok Sabha dissolves all the members in such case are to resign from their position, but, the Speaker do not need to vacate the office on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Whereas, Speaker is to vacate the office at the time of new election after the dissolution of Lok Sabha.

The Office of the Lok Sabha Speaker in India is a living institutional that deals with the actual needs and issues of the Indian Parliament in the performance of its role and functions. The Speaker is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the House and hence, is the principal spokesperson of the House. The responsibility of conduction the house meeting vests with him.

The Indian Constitution had recognised the importance of this Office in our democratic set – up and it was this recognition that guided them in establishing this Office as one of the prominent and dignified one in the scheme of governance of the country.

POWER OF SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA

With respect to the provisions of the Indian Constitution the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is vested with many powers and the same has been listed down below –

(1)   The Speaker is the one who conducts the meeting in the house, by ensuring discipline and decorum within the members of the house. It is upon him to guard the rights and privileges of the members of the two houses, deciding who ought to speak at what time, the issue to be raised and the order of proceedings to be followed.

(2)   Speaker is that one individual who does not caste the vote when the voting procedure by the members of the house is being followed. In case if the two sides receive equal amount of vote, it is then when the Speaker vote.

(3)   In the absence of a quorum within the House, the Speaker has the power to adjourn or suspend the meeting being taken place. It is up to the Speaker to decide the agenda of the meeting of the Members of the Parliament.

(4)   Speaker is also the Presiding Officer, and ensures that the MPs are punished for any misbehaviour during the meeting; it is upon the Speaker to allow the varied parliamentary procedures like the motion of adjournment, the motion of no confidence, the motion of censure and many others.

(5)   Once a money Boll is transmitted to the Upper House from the Lower House, the Speaker is the one who is accountable for endorsing his certificate on the Bill. In different words, he is given the power to make wise decision as to whether or not any Bill could be a money Bill. The decision made by the Speaker is said to be final.

(6)   Under the jurisdiction of the Speaker of Lok Sabha, has variety of Parliamentary Committees like the rules Committee, the Business advisory Committee as well as the General purposes Committee. It is the Speaker who has the power to nominate Chairman of these Committees.

(7)   Apart from holding the role of Speaker, he is also the “ex – officio” President of Indian Parliamentary group. He additionally acts within the capacity of the Chairman of the Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies in India,

(8)   The Speaker is the head of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, maintaining absolute security surveillance within the Parliament.

ROLE OF CHAIRMAN IN RAJYA SABHA

The role of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, is that of a Vice – President who presides over the meetings of the House. As the role of Presiding Officer, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the unchallenged guardian of the dignity of the House. He is also the principal spokesman of the House and represents the collective voice to the world. He makes sure that the proceedings of the House are conducted in accordance with the relevant constitutional provisions, rules, practices and other conventions and that the decorum and discipline is maintained during the meeting.

In case of vacant situation offices of both the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman, the President may appoint a member of the Rajya Sabha to discharge the duties of the Chairman, until another Deputy Chairman is elected.

The Chairman prepares a panel of members of the House for the purpose of presiding over its meetings in absence of both Chairman as well as the Deputy Chairman from their chambers.

POWERS OF CHAIRMAN OF THE LOK SABHA

(1)   As a Principal spokesman of the House – the communication from the President is made to the Chairman and represents the collective voice to the world.

(2)   Casting of vote by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha – Under the Indian Constitution, the Chairman exercises only a casting vote in the case of equality of votes. Whereas, if ant any stage sitting of the house a resolution for the removal of the Chairman from his office is under consideration, in that case he is not to preside at that sifting. In that case, he is not entitled to caste vote.

(3)   The Indian Constitution has laid down powers and duties of the Chairman – the Chairman is empowered to adjourn the House or to suspend its sitting the event of absence of quorum. The Chairman is not to accept the resignation of any of the members of the House.

(4)   Role of Chairman in the deliberations of the house – The Chairman does not take part in the deliberations of the house except in the discharge of his duties as the Presiding Officer. However, on a point or order raised or on his own he may address the house at any time on a matter under consideration with a view to assisting members in their deliberations.

(5)   Power conferred under the Rules of procedure of the Rajya Sabha – the Chairman may at any time call a sitting of the house before the date or hour to which it has been adjourned, or at any time after the House has been adjourned sine die, but not prorogued by the President. The consent of Chairman is required to raise a issue of breach of privilege in the house.

(6)   Right of Chairman to interpret the Indian Constitution – The Chairman`s ruling constitute precedents which are of binding in nature. The Chairman`s rulings cannot be questioned or criticised and to protest against the ruling of the Chairman is a contempt of the house and the Chairman. No reasons are required to be furnished.

(7)   Powers relating to Bills passed in Rajya Sabha – The Chairman is empowered under the rules to correct errors in a Bill after it has been passed by the House and to make such changes in the Bill consequential on the amendments accepted by the House.