📜 Article 180 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Speaker’s Duties in Case of Vacancy or Absence
🔹 Text Summary of Article 180:
Article 180 outlines who will preside over the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly when the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is absent or their office is vacant.
📌 Clause-wise Breakdown:
| Clause | Provision |
|---|---|
| (1) | When the office of Speaker is vacant, the Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker. |
| (2) | If both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are absent, or if their offices are vacant, a member of the Assembly (chosen by the House) will act as the Speaker. |
| ➡️ The Assembly chooses this person by vote, as per rules. |
🧠Key Takeaways:
-
Ensures that the work of the Assembly does not stop in the absence of presiding officers.
-
A temporary Speaker can be chosen by the House itself.
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This provision maintains continuity of legislative business.
📌 Example Scenarios:
| Condition | Who Presides |
|---|---|
| Speaker vacant, Deputy Speaker present | ✅ Deputy Speaker |
| Both absent | ✅ Any member elected temporarily by the House |
| Speaker removed, Deputy absent | ✅ House elects one temporarily |
⚖️ Related Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 178 | Speaker and Deputy Speaker |
| 179 | Removal of Speaker/Deputy Speaker |
| 181 | Speaker not to preside during removal discussion |
| 95 | Similar provision for Lok Sabha |
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