The Supreme Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on July 22, which seeks to address the longstanding issue of vacant Deputy Speaker posts in the Lok Sabha and various State Legislative Assemblies. This hearing will focus on urging the Centre and several states to hold elections for these crucial parliamentary positions.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has agreed to list the matter for hearing. The decision to schedule the hearing was influenced by the unavailability of Attorney General R Venkataramani, who was expected to argue the case.
Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked, “Alright let him come on Monday we will list the case,” signalling the urgency and importance of addressing this issue.
Shariq Ahmed, the counsel representing the petitioner, emphasised the need for the Centre to clarify its stance on not appointing a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha.
The petitioner's concern is not only about the national legislature but also extends to the newly formed Parliament, where the seat of the Deputy Speaker remains vacant.
The PIL, filed in February 2023, has already prompted the top court to issue notices to the Centre and some states. The petitioner highlights that the mandated office of the Deputy Speaker has remained unoccupied for years in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, and Rajasthan.
According to Articles 93 and 178 of the Indian Constitution, it is obligatory for both the Lok Sabha and state legislatures to conduct elections for the post of Deputy Speaker.
This constitutional requirement underscores the significance of the Deputy Speaker in ensuring the proper functioning and balance of parliamentary proceedings. The petition argues that the prolonged vacancies are a violation of constitutional mandates, depriving the public of their right to be governed effectively.
The role of the Deputy Speaker is pivotal in maintaining parliamentary decorum and ensuring legislative processes are conducted smoothly. The absence of a Deputy Speaker can lead to disruptions and inefficiencies in legislative operations, which ultimately affect governance and public administration. The petitioner's plea to fill these vacancies is aimed at restoring the constitutional balance and enhancing the effectiveness of legislative bodies.
This upcoming hearing is crucial as it will address the systemic issue of unfilled Deputy Speaker positions, which has persisted for years. The Supreme Court's involvement signifies the gravity of the matter and the need for immediate action to uphold constitutional principles.
The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for how such vacancies are addressed in the future, ensuring that legislative bodies are fully equipped to perform their duties.
The Supreme Court's decision to hear the PIL on the vacant Deputy Speaker posts in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies marks a significant step towards addressing a critical constitutional issue.
The hearing on July 22 will be closely watched, as it has the potential to impact the functioning of legislative bodies across the country, reinforcing the importance of adhering to constitutional mandates for the benefit of effective governance.
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