📜 Article 178 of the Indian Constitution
Title: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
🔹 Text Summary of Article 178:
“Every Legislative Assembly of a State shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the Assembly to be respectively the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.”
📌 Key Provisions:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ Election | The Legislative Assembly must elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among its own members as early as possible after the Assembly is constituted. |
| ✅ Presiding Officers | These officers preside over the Assembly sessions and ensure orderly conduct of legislative business. |
| ❌ No Specific Time Limit | The Constitution does not set a strict timeline, but it's expected to be done soon after formation of the Assembly. |
🧠 Key Roles of the Speaker:
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Presides over Assembly meetings.
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Maintains discipline and decorum.
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Decides on points of order.
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Certifies money bills.
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Decides on disqualification under Anti-defection Law (Tenth Schedule).
🔁 Deputy Speaker:
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Takes over when the Speaker is absent or position is vacant.
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Elected by Assembly in the same manner as the Speaker.
⚖️ Related Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 179 | Vacation/resignation/removal of Speaker/Deputy Speaker |
| 93 | Similar provision for Lok Sabha (Speaker/Deputy Speaker) |
| 180 | Duties of Deputy Speaker when Speaker is absent |
🏛️ Real-World Relevance:
The Speaker plays a critical role in ensuring the neutrality and functioning of the Assembly, especially during:
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Budget sessions
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Confidence votes
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Disputes under the Anti-defection Law
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