20-June-2025 Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Examine the role and challenges faced by the Speaker of Lok Sabha in ensuring constitutional neutrality.
(GS Paper 2 – International Relations, 15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answer:

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha occupies a pivotal position in India’s parliamentary democracy, acting as the impartial authority responsible for maintaining the decorum, discipline, and dignity of the House. The office derives its powers from Articles 93–97 of the Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and parliamentary conventions.

Role in Ensuring Constitutional Neutrality:
• Custodian of the House: The Speaker regulates debates, allocates time, and ensures orderly conduct by all members, safeguarding the integrity of the legislature.
• Guardian of Parliamentary Privileges: The Speaker protects the privileges of MPs and the institution, upholding the autonomy of the legislature from the executive.
• Quasi-Judicial Authority: In matters under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law), the Speaker acts as a constitutional adjudicator.
• Neutral Arbiter: As the presiding officer, the Speaker is expected to set aside party affiliations and act impartially.

Challenges to Constitutional Neutrality:
• Political Bias Allegations: Since the Speaker is elected on a party ticket, neutrality is often questioned, especially in anti-defection cases. Example: Disqualifications in Karnataka and Maharashtra Assemblies.
• Lack of Judicial Timelines: Decisions on disqualification can be delayed, undermining the spirit of fair play and creating political instability.
• Absence of Independent Election Mechanism: The ruling party often ensures its own candidate becomes Speaker, reducing the opposition’s faith in neutrality.
• Limited Constitutional Safeguards: There are no fixed tenure protections or post-retirement restrictions to ensure impartiality during tenure.

Conclusion:

While the Speaker is expected to function as the linchpin of parliamentary democracy, the credibility of the office hinges on adherence to constitutional values rather than political compulsions. Institutional reforms like neutral Speaker elections or independent tribunals for defection cases may help strengthen constitutional neutrality in practice.

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