Powers of the Speaker

What is the issue?

• Recently several Lok Sabha members produced written notices to the Speaker for a no-confidence motion.
• Despite the Speaker's defined powers in this regard, she has failed to act upon this.

What is a no confidence motion?

• A no-confidence motion is a tool of opposition party to prove no majority or no confidence in the PM and Council of Ministers.
• No-Confidence motion is not mentioned in the Constitution of India.
• If the motion is passed, the ruling government ceases to enjoy the trust and confidence of the house and is subsequently removed.
• A No confidence motion needs to be necessarily brought only in Lok Sabha.
• Rajya Sabha cannot take up a No confidence motion or Adjournment motion.

What is the purpose?

• The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers can hold office only as long as they have the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
• The parliamentary system is thus primarily based on the idea of accountability.
• It is achieved through processes such as questions, adjournment motions, etc.
• The no-confidence motion is a final measure in this context.

What is the Speaker's role in this?

• Motion - The no-confidence motion needs to be given priority over all other businesses of the Parliament.
• This is because other businesses cannot be undertaken when the very legitimacy of the government is being questioned.
• If there are notices for no-confidence motion, the Speaker has to verify whether there are at least 50 MPs who support its introduction.
• She should then fix a time for discussing it.

• Order - The Speaker has the prime responsibility of ensuring that the House functions in order.
• In case of disruptive behaviour by some MPs, the Speaker has the powers and the responsibility to bring order to the House.
• MPs failing to comply with the Speaker's order can be asked to withdraw from the House, or can even be forcibly removed.
• Necessary steps including suspension of members can be taken to ensure order in the House.

What is the present concern? 

• The Parliament is witnessing disrupt for quite some time due to various concerns of different States.
• In this backdrop, the Speaker has expressed her inability to ensure the required number of members supporting the no-confidence motion.
• The inability of Parliament to function and to test the support for the government undermines the very basis of democratic structure.

Source: The Hindu