← All questionsGS2 · 2020 · Polity ·'Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker'
QUESTION 5
GS2
10 marks

‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

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7 min
150 words

What the examiner wants

Decide whether India should follow the UK convention of Speakers giving up party politics, and what it would mean for Parliament.

CommentGive your own view on the statement and back it with facts and examples.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1UK practice: Speaker resigns from party, re-elected unopposed, does not return to party politics≈30 words
  2. 2Why for India: Speaker's role in anti-defection cases, money bill certification, neutrality concerns≈30 words
  3. 3Implications: more trust and smooth functioning; but practical issues (party tickets, career)≈30 words
  4. 4Alternatives: tribunal for disqualification cases, fixed timelines≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

UK conventionIndian concernsFor and against adoptionImplicationsConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Not addressing implications for parliamentary business
  • No Indian case, e.g. Kihoto Hollohan or Manipur Speaker's delayed defection ruling (2020)

Draw this

  • Table: UK vs India Speaker conventions

Value addition

  • CaseKeisham Meghachandra Singh v Speaker, Manipur (2020): the Supreme Court said disqualification petitions should be decided within three months and suggested an independent tribunal.Supreme Court, 2020
  • FactThe office of Deputy Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha remained vacant for its whole term (2019–24).Lok Sabha records

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