Deputy Speaker Vacancy In Lok Sabha| Supreme Court To Hear Petition On July 22

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Today, On 15th July, The Supreme Court set to hear a plea regarding the vacant Deputy Speaker post in the Lok Sabha on July 22. The petition raises concerns over the prolonged absence of a Deputy Speaker, which is a key constitutional position.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court scheduled a plea on Monday regarding the election of a deputy speaker for the vacant Lok Sabha position since the new Parliament’s formation.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, agreed to list the matter for July 22. Besides the Lok Sabha, the plea also calls for the election of deputy speakers in the state assemblies of five states.

The Chief Justice of India assured,

“Alright, let him come on Monday and we will list the case.”

During the proceedings, senior advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija, representing the petitioners, emphasized the need for the central government to provide a status report on the appointment of deputy speakers, particularly for the vacant position in the Lok Sabha

In February 2023, the Court issued a notice to the Union of India and five states in the public interest litigation (PIL) case. In the previous hearing, the petitioner, Makhija, submitted that as per Article 93 and Article 178 of the Indian Constitution, it is mandatory for state legislatures to conduct elections for the post of Deputy Speakers.

She highlighted that the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Manipur did not have a deputy speaker at the time. Additionally, Makhija mentioned that Manipur had not been included in the original petition.

Makhija stated,

“If the Union of India in the meanwhile can file the status regarding the Deputy Speakers and why they are not being appointed especially in the Lok Sabha. The reason why I am saying this is that in this session also the situation continues. That’s the problem.”

Since June 23, 2019, the role of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha has been unoccupied. The position last filled by M. Thambi Durai from the AIADMK, a previous ally of the BJP, during the tenure of the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019).

Currently, the Congress-led INDIA bloc actively pursuing the Deputy Speaker‘s position. Traditionally, this post has been held by a member of the Opposition, highlighting its significance in ensuring balanced parliamentary proceedings. The quest for this role by the Opposition underlines the evolving dynamics within the Lok Sabha and the strategic moves by various political alliances to secure influential positions.

The petition highlights the constitutional and operational implications of this prolonged vacancy, urging the Court to direct immediate action for the appointment of a Deputy Speaker. The hearing will potentially provide clarity and direction on resolving this matter, ensuring that the parliamentary processes are upheld with full leadership in place.