Officers of Parliament
Speaker & Chairman | The Custodians of the House
PART I — LOK SABHA OFFICERS
THE CUSTODIAN
The Speaker
- Elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members. Functions as the principal spokesperson and constitutional head of the House.
- **Unique Powers:** Decides whether a bill is a **Money Bill** (decision is final). Presides over the **joint sitting** of both Houses.
- Decides questions of disqualification under the **10th Schedule** (Defection).
- Does not vote in the first instance, but exercises a **casting vote** in case of a tie.
THE BACKUP
Deputy Speaker
- Also elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members. By convention (since 11th LS), the Speaker is from the ruling party and Deputy from the main opposition.
- Acts as Speaker when the office is vacant or the Speaker is absent.
- **Crucial Rule:** The Deputy Speaker is **not subordinate** to the Speaker. They are directly responsible to the House.
PART II — RAJYA SABHA OFFICERS
EX-OFFICIO HEAD
The Chairman
- The **Vice-President of India** is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Unlike the Speaker, the Chairman is **not a member of the House**.
- Cannot vote in the first instance, but has a casting vote.
- Can only be removed from the office of Chairman if they are removed from the office of Vice-President.
THE HOUSE'S OWN
Deputy Chairman
- Elected by the Rajya Sabha exclusively from **amongst its own members**.
- Performs the duties of the Chairman when the office is vacant or the VP is acting as President.
- Like the Deputy Speaker, they are **not subordinate** to the Chairman and hold direct responsibility to the Rajya Sabha.
INITIALIZE: WORLD O — LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES