Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House (150 words)?

Theme

T95 Presiding officers & anti-defection

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask whether the Speaker is vulnerable to partisanship under anti-defection, 'once a Speaker always a Speaker', and presiding officers' role in order and impartiality.

What to cover

• Speaker's powers; Tenth Schedule decisions
• Kihoto Hollohan; Keisham Meghachandra (time-bound decisions)
• UK convention of neutrality
• Reforms: independent tribunal for disqualification

Writing the answer

• Compare with UK; suggest reforms

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 3 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.