Article 180 of the Indian Constitution: Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the country, providing the framework for its governance and functioning. Within this framework, Article 180 holds significance as it deals with the power of the Deputy Speaker or any other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, the Speaker.

Article 180 of the Indian Constitution states:

(1) At any sitting of the House of the People, while the office of Speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker or, if the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the House of the People as the President may appoint for the purpose.

(2) During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the House of the People, the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent, such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the House, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the House, shall act as Speaker.

This article outlines the procedures to be followed in the absence or vacancy of the office of the Speaker in the House of the People, which is the lower house of the Parliament of India.

Power of the Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker is an important position in the Indian Parliament. As per Article 93 of the Constitution, the Deputy Speaker is elected by the members of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) from amongst themselves. The Deputy Speaker performs various functions, including presiding over the sessions of the House in the absence of the Speaker.

When the office of the Speaker becomes vacant, the Deputy Speaker assumes the duties of the Speaker until a new Speaker is elected. This ensures the smooth functioning of the House and continuity in its proceedings. The Deputy Speaker has the same powers and responsibilities as the Speaker during this period.

If the office of the Deputy Speaker is also vacant, the President of India has the authority to appoint a member of the House of the People as the acting Speaker. This appointment is made to ensure that there is no vacuum in the position of the Speaker and that the House can carry out its legislative functions without any hindrance.

Acting as Speaker in the Absence of the Speaker

Article 180(2) of the Indian Constitution deals with the situation when the Speaker is absent from any sitting of the House of the People. In such cases, the Deputy Speaker assumes the role of the Speaker and performs all the functions and duties assigned to the Speaker.

If the Deputy Speaker is also absent, the rules of procedure of the House of the People determine who will act as the Speaker. These rules, which are framed by the House itself, provide a mechanism for designating a person to act as the Speaker in the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

If the rules of procedure do not specify any person, the House has the authority to decide who will act as the Speaker. This ensures that there is always someone to preside over the proceedings of the House and maintain order and decorum.

Significance of Article 180

Article 180 of the Indian Constitution plays a crucial role in maintaining the continuity and functioning of the House of the People. It ensures that there is no vacuum in the position of the Speaker, which is essential for the smooth conduct of parliamentary business.

The provision for the Deputy Speaker or any other designated person to perform the duties of the Speaker in their absence or vacancy is a safeguard against disruptions in the legislative process. It ensures that the House can carry out its functions and responsibilities without any interruption.

By providing for the appointment of an acting Speaker, Article 180 upholds the principle of separation of powers and ensures that there is no concentration of power in a single individual. It also reflects the democratic ethos of the Indian Constitution, which emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and accountability.

Conclusion

Article 180 of the Indian Constitution is a crucial provision that ensures the smooth functioning of the House of the People in the absence or vacancy of the office of the Speaker. The power granted to the Deputy Speaker or any other designated person to perform the duties of the Speaker is essential for maintaining continuity and upholding the principles of democracy.

By providing a clear framework for the appointment of an acting Speaker, Article 180 ensures that the House can carry out its legislative functions without any hindrance. It reflects the commitment of the Indian Constitution to the principles of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law.

Overall, Article 180 serves as a vital pillar of the Indian democratic system, enabling the House of the People to function effectively and efficiently, even in the absence or vacancy of the office of the Speaker.