With reference to the Union Legislature, answer the following questions:
How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? State two Disciplinary Functions of the Speaker.
Topic: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Answer
The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves, by a simple majority of those present and voting, at the first sitting of a newly elected House.
Two disciplinary functions: (1) He MAINTAINS ORDER AND DECORUM in the House. He may reprimand a member, order the withdrawal of unparliamentary words from the record, and suspend a member who persistently disregards his authority. (2) He may ADJOURN THE HOUSE or suspend the sitting when there is grave disorder, or when there is no quorum; and he protects the privileges of the members against breach or contempt.
Three marks: one for the election and one for each disciplinary function. Read the word DISCIPLINARY — the Speaker’s other functions (certifying Money Bills, presiding over joint sittings, the casting vote) are real but do not answer this question. Note that he is elected by the LOK SABHA ALONE, not by both Houses — a distinction papers test regularly.