Speakers must rise above party loyalties, with Constitution as their guiding light | The Indian Express

Speakers must rise above party loyalties, with Constitution as their guiding light | The Indian Express

Written by Chakshu Roy |Updated: June 19, 2019 11:42:00 am

The writer is head of outreach PRS Legislative Research.

Speakers must rise above party loyalties, with Constitution as their guiding light

With no security in the continuity of office, the Speaker is dependent on his or her political party for reelection. This makes the Speaker susceptible to pulls and pressures from her/his political party in the conduct of the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.

Securing the neutrality of the Speaker is a question that experts in India have been grappling with for 60-plus years. (Express photo by Ravi Kanojia/File)

A watchful Parliament forms the foundation of a well-functioning democracy. The presiding officers of Parliament are the key to securing the effectiveness of this institution. The MPs look to them to facilitate debate, protect their rights and uphold the dignity of Parliament. On Wednesday, Lok Sabha MPs are set to elect one amongst themselves, to play the pivotal role of the presiding officer for the 17th Lok Sabha.