Theme T95 · Constitution & Polity

Presiding officers & anti-defection

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What UPSC asks

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.

Prepare these

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

Answer writing

• Compare with UK; suggest reforms

Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (1), Discuss (1), Do you think (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L5 — Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

All 3 PYQs, newest first

1. GS22026GS2-POL-10-M2026-S01

   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)?

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2. GS2202310 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-10-M2023-Q05

   Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

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3. GS22020GS2-POL-10-M2020-S01

   ‘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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