Part V - Parliament • Article

Article 95 Simplified: Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker

If the Speaker is away or the post is empty, the Deputy Speaker does the job. If both are away, the President can appoint another MP to temporarily handle the 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 House of the People as the President may appoint for the purpose. (2)During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the House of the People the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent, such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the House, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the House, shall act as Speaker.

Simple Meaning

If the Speaker is away or the post is empty, the Deputy Speaker does the job. If both are away, the President can appoint another MP to temporarily handle the duties.

Explain Like Ten

If the Speaker is away from the meeting or their post is empty, the Deputy Speaker takes over the chair. If both are absent, whoever the Lok Sabha's own rules say should step in (usually the senior MP in the panel) takes the chair.

Student Mode

Article 95 provides for the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha when the Speaker is unavailable: (1) If the office of Speaker is vacant — the Deputy Speaker performs all the Speaker's duties. (2) If the Deputy Speaker's office is also vacant — the President appoints a member to perform the duties. (3) During day-to-day absence of the Speaker — the Deputy Speaker or a person determined by the House's rules presides. Note: The Speaker has the right to return and resume the chair at any point.

Example

If an office-holder's power or duty is questioned, Article 95 clarifies how power of the deputy speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, speaker fits into Parliament's working rules.

Key Takeaway

The Deputy Speaker is the backup leader for the Lok Sabha.

FAQs

Who appoints a substitute presiding officer when both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker offices are vacant?

The President of India appoints a member of the House of the People to perform the duties of the Speaker in that situation.

What is the 'Panel of Chairpersons' in the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker nominates a panel of MPs who can preside over the House in the Speaker's or Deputy Speaker's absence during a session. This is a practice under the Rules of Procedure, not directly in Article 95.

Quiz

When the Lok Sabha Speaker's office is vacant, who performs the Speaker's duties?

Answer: The Deputy Speaker

If both the Speaker AND Deputy Speaker offices are vacant, who appoints a substitute?

Answer: The President