Part VI - The States • Article

Article 180 Simplified: Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker

Enables the Deputy Speaker to perform the duties of the Speaker when the office is vacant, or act as Speaker when the Speaker is absent. If both offices are vacant, the Governor may appoint an MLA to perform these duties.

Official Text

(1) While the office of Speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker or, if the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the Assembly as the Governor may appoint for the purpose. (2) During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the Assembly the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent, such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the Assembly, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the Assembly, shall act as Speaker.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

If the Speaker is sick or leaves their job, the Deputy Speaker takes over. If both are gone, the Governor appoints another MLA to lead until a new Speaker is chosen.

Student Mode

Authorizes the Deputy Speaker to perform Speaker duties during a vacancy or act as Speaker during an absence, and empowers the Governor to appoint a member to act as Speaker when both offices are vacant (Speaker Pro-tem function).

Example

If a State Assembly Speaker resigns suddenly and the office becomes vacant, the Deputy Speaker takes over all duties of the Speaker. If both positions are vacant during a transition, the Governor appoints a senior MLA to conduct the election of the new Speaker.

Key Takeaway

The Deputy Speaker or a Governor-appointed MLA performs the Speaker's duties during vacancies or absences to ensure the Assembly always has a presiding officer.

FAQs

Who presides over the Assembly if the Speaker is absent?

The Deputy Speaker presides. If they are also absent, a person determined by the Assembly's rules of procedure, or another member chosen by the Assembly, acts as Speaker.

What happens if both Speaker and Deputy Speaker offices are vacant?

The Governor appoints a member of the Legislative Assembly to perform the duties of the Speaker until a permanent Speaker is elected.

How does an acting Speaker differ from a permanent Speaker?

An acting Speaker temporarily holds the powers and performs the duties of the office (such as during absences or vacancies) but does not occupy the office permanently.

What is the role of a Pro-tem Speaker under Article 180?

A Pro-tem Speaker is appointed by the Governor under Article 180(1) when the offices of both Speaker and Deputy Speaker are vacant, typically right after a general election, to administer oaths to new members and conduct the Speaker's election.

Quiz

Under Article 180(1), if the offices of both Speaker and Deputy Speaker are vacant, who appoints a member to perform the duties?

Answer: The Governor

In the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker from a sitting, who acts as Speaker?

Answer: A member determined by the rules of procedure or the Assembly

Which clause of Article 180 deals with the temporary absence of the Speaker?

Answer: Clause (2)

A Pro-tem Speaker appointed after a general election is authorized under which constitutional provision?

Answer: Article 180(1)