With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:

While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration:

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: He/She shall not preside.
- This statement is correct. When a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration, the Speaker shall not preside over the sitting of the House. Instead, the Deputy Speaker or another member appointed by the House will preside over the proceedings .
Statement 2: He/She shall not have the right to speak.
- This statement is incorrect. The Speaker may be present during the consideration of the resolution and has the right to speak in the House. However, the Speaker does not preside over the session .
Statement 3: He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.
- This statement is incorrect. The Speaker can vote on the resolution in the first instance as a member of the House. The restriction applies to presiding over the session, not to voting .

Presiding Officer: The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the House .
Election: The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves, usually from the ruling party, after informal consultations with other parties .
Term: The Speaker’s term is coterminous with the Lok Sabha, typically five years, but they continue in office until a new Speaker is elected .
Powers:
- Administrative and Discretionary Powers: The Speaker has significant administrative and discretionary powers, including deciding the agenda, interpreting rules, and ensuring discipline among members .
- Casting Vote: In case of a tie, the Speaker has a casting vote to break the deadlock .
- Certification of Money Bills: The Speaker certifies whether a bill is a money bill, which is crucial for legislative procedures .
- Joint Sessions: The Speaker presides over joint sessions of both Houses of Parliament .
- Disqualification Powers: The Speaker can disqualify members on grounds of defection under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution .
Removal:
- Resolution: The Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, with a 14-day notice period .
- Presence During Resolution: The Speaker may be present during the consideration of the resolution but cannot preside over the session .