Discuss the role of presiding officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

GS 2
Indian Polity
2023
10 Marks

The presiding officers of state legislatures serve as the guardians of parliamentary democracy and play a pivotal role in upholding democratic traditions and legislative decorum. Their multifaceted responsibilities encompass maintaining order, ensuring impartiality, and fostering democratic best practices in the conduct of legislative business.

Constitutional Position and Powers

  • The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of state legislative assemblies derive their powers from Articles 178-180 of the Constitution.
  • They possess extensive discretionary powers to:
    • Maintain order during debates and discussions.
    • Interpret rules of procedure and conduct of business.
    • Decide on the admissibility of bills and resolutions.

Role in Maintaining Order

  • Exercise control over parliamentary proceedings through:
    • Regulating debates and allocating speaking time.
    • Ensuring adherence to parliamentary etiquette.
    • Taking disciplinary action against unruly members.
  • Make crucial rulings on points of order and questions of privilege.

Ensuring Impartiality

  • Act as neutral arbitrators between government and opposition by:
    • Providing equal opportunities to all political parties.
    • Protecting minority views and dissent.
    • Making unbiased decisions on procedural matters.
  • Maintain independence from party politics after assuming office.

Facilitating Democratic Best Practices

  • Promote inclusive participation through:
    • Fair allocation of time during Question Hour and debates.
    • Protection of members' rights and privileges.
    • Ensuring transparency in legislative proceedings.
  • Plays a key role in disqualification of members under the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule).
  • Upholds the principle of separation of powers by maintaining legislative independence from the executive.
  • Strengthen committee system by:
    • Appointing committee members and chairpersons.
    • Overseeing committee functioning and reports.
    • Facilitating meaningful deliberations.

Challenges to Impartial Functioning

  • Increasing partisanship and lack of neutrality.
  • Delays in anti-defection rulings, leading to political instability.
  • Misuse of powers to suspend or silence opposition voices.

The presiding officer is the custodian of the legislature’s dignity. For India’s state-level democracy to flourish, these officials must rise above political pressure and act with fairness, neutrality, and constitutional integrity. A non-partisan and strong presiding officer can significantly enhance the quality of legislative deliberation and public trust in democratic institutions.

Answer Length

Model answers may exceed the word limit for better clarity and depth. Use them as a guide, but always frame your final answer within the exam’s prescribed limit.

In just 60 sec

Evaluate your handwritten answer

  • Get detailed feedback
  • Model Answer after evaluation
Evaluate Now

Crack UPSC with your
Personal AI Mentor

An AI-powered ecosystem to learn, practice, and evaluate with discipline

SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.

Download the App

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
Follow us

ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited