UPSC Mains 2026 · GS II · Q3 · 10 marks · 150 words

Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House ?

हिन्दी में

वर्तमान दल-बदल विरोधी व्यवस्था के अंतर्गत क्या लोकसभा अध्यक्ष का संवैधानिक पद दलगत राजनीति के कारण अतिसंवेदनशील हो गया है ? परीक्षण कीजिए । ध्रुवीकृत सदन के प्रबंधन में लोकसभा अध्यक्ष की निष्पक्षता को सुनिश्चित करने में किन संस्थागत परिवर्तनों की आवश्यकता है ?

Parliament

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “"The Speaker plays a vital role in upholding the integrity of parliamentary proceedings, but increasing politicization has raised questions about the impartiality of the office." Critically examine the role, powers and challenges faced by the Speaker in the Indian parliamentary system.”

Rupam AroraAIR 384 · CSE 2025 · 153 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

The Speaker of Lok Sabha (Article 93) acts as the presiding officer of the house and is the most important constitutional post (along with Chairman of Rajya Sabha) to ensure smooth, impartial and constitutional functioning of legislature arm of the state.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Role and powers of Speaker - To conduct proceedings of Lok Sabha according to Rules of business. - To approve motions, bills, resolutions to be taken up for discussions. - To maintain decorum of proceedings. - To certify money bills (U/A 110) - To adjudicate on matters of Anti-defection law (10th schedule) - To Casting vote in case of a tie.
Diagram
Concerns & Challenges faced by Speaker → Concerns of Opposition → reduced impartiality - showing partisan behaviour. → politicisation of post of speaker. → increased adjournment against raising matters in parliament. → reduced speaking time to opposition & more to ruling co-alition. → Constitutional concerns → not calling for election of Deputy speaker (as a convention is from leading opposition party - hence partiality concern) → Delayed and partisan possibility in adjudicating in Anti-defection law cases. → Kihoto Hollohan Case - SC introduced Judicial Review to ensure impartiality

→ Using of Money Bills (U/A 110) controversially → concern regarding passing of Aadhar Act via money bill route. → a possible move to bypass legislative scrutiny.

Way forward. → mandatory resigning from political party for Speaker can be considered like in UK to be strictly non-partisan. → Timely election of Deputy Speaker → Time limits for cases of Anti-defection. → "Opposition Day" - like features like in UK where speakers dedicates a day for raising concerns of opposition. → Including Election Commission along with speaker to decide on ADL cases.

Close · a way forward

Therefore challenges of politicisation should be addressed through structural reforms and by enhancing democratic accountability to ensure smooth functioning of democracy.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper II, Q3. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.