UPSC Mains Answer: ‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’ ! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India ?

Difficulty Level: Medium

Sub-category: Polity: Parliament and State Legislatures

Introduction:

The principle 'Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker' implies that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha should continue in office without facing re-election or removal, even after a change in the ruling party. This practice, borrowed from the British Westminster model, aims to ensure impartiality and independence of the Speaker’s office.

Body:

'Historically, the Speaker’s role in India has been marred by perceptions of partisan bias, particularly when the Speaker is affiliated with the ruling party. Adopting this principle could address such concerns by insulating the Speaker from political pressures. For instance, in the UK, the Speaker resigns from their party upon assuming office and is re-elected unopposed in subsequent elections. This fosters objectivity in presiding over parliamentary proceedings, including no-confidence motions and disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule. However, implications for India’s parliamentary democracy must be carefully weighed. While it may enhance neutrality, it could also reduce accountability, as the Speaker would no longer be answerable to the electorate or their party. Furthermore, the absence of a removal mechanism might embolden Speakers to act arbitrarily, undermining the checks and balances essential for robust parliamentary functioning.

Conclusion

While the principle holds merit in promoting objectivity, its adoption in India requires safeguards to prevent misuse. A balanced approach, such as a fixed tenure with removal only through a supermajority in Parliament, could reconcile impartiality with accountability, thereby strengthening parliamentary democracy.