Despite being a constitutionally envisaged post vital for ensuring impartiality and continuity in the functioning of the Lok Sabha, the office of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha has remained vacant throughout the 17th Lok Sabha and continues to be unfilled in the 18th. 

• While the Constitution sets no fixed timeline for the appointment, the use of “shall” and “as soon as may be” in Articles 93 and 178 makes the election mandatory. 

Provisions Associated with the Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Constitutional Provisions: 
• Article 93: It provides that Lok Sabha must, as soon as may be, choose 2 members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker. 
• Article 94: It provides the procedures for the vacation, resignation and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of People or Lok Sabha. 
• Article 95(1): The Deputy Speaker performs the Speaker’s duties when the Speaker’s post is vacant and exercises the same powers while presiding over the House. 
• All references to the “Speaker” in the Rules are deemed to be references to the Deputy Speaker as well for the times when he or she presides. 
• Article 178: It contains the corresponding provision for the Speakers and Deputy Speakers in the State Assemblies. 
• Election Process: 
• The Deputy Speaker,  (as well as Speaker) is elected from among Lok Sabha members by a simple majority of those present and voting. 
• Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha governs the election.  
• The Speaker fixes the date for electing the Deputy Speaker. 
• The opposition party has held the post of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha on several occasions. (But it is not mandated neither by constitution nor by any law, just a convention).  
• Example during UPA-I (2004–09), UPA-II (2009–14), and under Prime Ministers Vajpayee (1999–2004), PV Narasimha Rao (1991–96), and Chandra Shekhar (1990–91). 
• No separate oath is required; only the MP''s oath under the Third Schedule suffices. 
• Tenure & Removal: 
• The Deputy Speaker, like the Speaker, holds office during the life of the Lok Sabha but may vacate it earlier in the following cases: 
• Ceases to be a Lok Sabha member; 
• Resigns by writing to the Speaker; 
• Removed by a resolution passed by a majority of the total Lok Sabha membership (absolute majority), with 14 days’ prior notice. 
• Whenever the Deputy Speaker’s post becomes vacant, the Lok Sabha elects a new member to fill the position. 

Historical Background Associated with the Office of Deputy Speaker

• The position of Deputy Speaker originated in the Central Legislative Assembly under British rule, known then as the "Deputy President." Sachidanand Sinha was the first to hold this post in 1921. 
• After independence, M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar became the first elected Deputy Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha. 
• In 1956, following Speaker GV Mavalankar’s demise, Ayyangar served as Acting Speaker and was later elected Speaker of the second Lok Sabha. 

Significance of the Office of Deputy Speaker

• Ensures Legislative Continuity: The Deputy Speaker ensures uninterrupted functioning of the Lok Sabha in the absence of the Speaker, maintaining procedural order and preventing legislative paralysis. 
• Constitutional Authority: Mandated under Article 93, the Deputy Speaker holds an independent constitutional position and is not subordinate to the Speaker. The office is also associated with key parliamentary committees such as the Rules Committee. 
• Neutral and Impartial Role: Upon election, the Deputy Speaker is expected to function above party affiliations, reinforcing impartiality and public trust in parliamentary procedures. 
• Democratic Inclusion & Consensus Building: Traditionally offered to the Opposition, the post of Deputy Speaker serves as a tool for bipartisan cooperation, fostering consensus-based politics and cross-party trust. This convention upholds institutional balance, promotes inclusivity in parliamentary leadership, and reinforces the democratic ethos of the legislature.

Note:

• The Deputy Speaker automatically becomes the chairman of any Parliamentary Committee when appointed as a member of that committee.

Safeguards Required for Effective Functioning of the Deputy Speaker’s Office

• Clear Time Frame for Election: The Constitution can be amended or rules must be framed to mandate the election of the Deputy Speaker within a specific period (e.g., within 30 days of the first sitting of the new Lok Sabha). 
•  A statutory provision could be introduced empowering the President, upon advice from the Prime Minister, to initiate the election process if delayed beyond the prescribed period 
• Regular Delegation of Authority: Institutionalising the regular delegation of presiding duties to the Deputy Speaker, even in the Speaker’s presence, can enhance administrative efficiency and affirm the functional relevance of the office. 
• Clear Role Codification: Defining the Deputy Speaker’s powers and responsibilities through detailed parliamentary rules or a statutory framework would reduce ambiguity and safeguard legislative neutrality from executive influence. 

The Office of the Deputy Speaker in India is not symbolic but an essential pillar of parliamentary democracy. Upholding this office is a test of respect for rule-based governance, institutional integrity, and democratic resilience. It is imperative for Parliament to act promptly and in the spirit of the Constitution.