UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I
Question 9: Polity and Governance
Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements :
- 1.He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President.
- 2.He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election.
- 3.If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
The Speaker's office is governed by Articles 93 to 96. The Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha from among its members, so he or she must already be a member. The Speaker stays in office until just before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha, unless he or she ceases to be a member, resigns, or is removed by a resolution passed by an effective majority of the House after 14 days' notice. The President has no say in the tenure. A resignation is addressed to the Deputy Speaker.
- 1. The Speaker is removed by a House resolution, not at the President's pleasure.
- 2. The Speaker is elected from among sitting members, with no six-month window.
- 3. The Speaker's resignation letter is addressed to the Deputy Speaker.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: the Speaker does not hold office at the President's pleasure and is elected from among members.
- (b) Correct: only statement 3 is right; resignation goes to the Deputy Speaker.
- (c) Wrong: statements 1 and 2 are both false.
- (d) Wrong: statement 3 is correct, so it is not 'none'.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.