Question

With reference to the powers and functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha state the following:

1. Any three functions to regulate proceedings of the House.
2. Any three administrative functions.
3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha occupies a position of great authority and responsibility. Give reasons to support this statement.

Answer 1

The Speaker is the Lok Sabha's presiding officer. He prefers following the powers:

1. Power to regulate proceedings of the house.
   1. The Speaker presides over House meetings. Members of the House address him directly with their speeches and remarks.
   2. Bills passed by the House are verified with his signature before being given to the other House or the President for assent.
   3. The Speaker decides if a bill is a money bill or not. The Speaker's decision shall be final.
   4. The Speaker interprets the House's rules of procedure and makes final rulings.
   5. He holds a casting vote in the event of a deadlock.
   6. The Speaker creates the House's schedule and provides time for agenda items. He prioritizes and decides which matters should be discussed first and later.
2. Administrative functions.
   1. The Speaker acts as the primary spokesperson for the House and reports to the President on its activities. He is a link between the President and the House.
   2. The Speaker receives all petitions and documents sent to the House.
   3. He shows House decisions to authorities and demands cooperation.
   4. He has authority over the House's guests.
3. The Speaker is the Lok Sabha's presiding officer and is in charge of running the House's operations. He or she holds a position of significant power and accountability. He or she has plenty of power to maintain order in the House. With the exception of the Prime Minister, he or she is ranked higher in the Table of Precedence than every other Cabinet Minister. The House is the only body to whom the speaker must answer regarding the use of their authority and duties. No court of law has the authority to consider the merits of a decision made by them.