Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly: Powers, Functions, Removal & Articles

Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly: Powers, Functions, Removal & Articles

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and plays a crucial role in maintaining order, conducting proceedings, and protecting the privileges of the House. This topic is highly important for UPSC, SSC, State PCS, Railway, Banking, and other competitive examinations.

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 178 – Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly.
  • Article 179 – Vacation, resignation and removal.
  • Article 180 – Power of Deputy Speaker to act as Speaker.
  • Article 181 – Speaker not to preside while a resolution for removal is under consideration.

Who is the Speaker?

The Speaker is the presiding officer and highest authority of the Legislative Assembly. He or she conducts the proceedings of the House and ensures discipline during debates.

Election of Speaker

  • Elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly.
  • Usually elected during the first meeting of a newly constituted Assembly.
  • Remains in office until the dissolution of the Assembly.

Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker is also elected by the Legislative Assembly and performs the duties of the Speaker in his or her absence.

Powers and Functions of Speaker

1. Presiding Officer of the House

Conducts meetings and ensures orderly proceedings.

2. Maintains Discipline

Can warn, suspend, or take action against disorderly members.

3. Interprets Rules

The Speaker's interpretation of House rules is final.

4. Decides Money Bill

The Speaker certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill or not.

5. Casting Vote

Votes only in case of a tie.

6. Protects Privileges

Safeguards the privileges of the House and its members.

7. Anti-Defection Cases

Decides disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule.

Removal of Speaker

  • Can be removed by a resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly.
  • Requires a majority of all the then members of the Assembly.
  • Fourteen days' notice must be given before moving the resolution.

Speaker vs Deputy Speaker

Speaker Deputy Speaker
Main Presiding Officer Acts in absence of Speaker
Conducts House regularly Performs duties when required
Certifies Money Bills Exercises powers when acting as Speaker

Important Facts for Exams

  • Article 178 deals with Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
  • Speaker is elected by Legislative Assembly members.
  • Speaker has casting vote in case of a tie.
  • Speaker decides anti-defection cases.
  • 14 days' notice is required for removal.

One-Liner Revision

  • Article for Speaker → 178
  • Removal notice period → 14 days
  • Certifies Money Bill → Speaker
  • Anti-defection authority → Speaker
  • Votes only in tie → Casting Vote

Conclusion

The Speaker is the guardian of the dignity, discipline, and privileges of the Legislative Assembly. Questions related to the Speaker's powers, removal, and constitutional provisions are frequently asked in competitive examinations.

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