Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026) | UPSC, SSC & Judiciary Notes

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution explaining the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, including election, powers, functions, tenure, removal, and constitutional provisions for UPSC, SSC, PSC, and Judiciary exams.

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Learn Article 93 of the Indian Constitution in detail. Understand the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, election process, powers, tenure, removal, important cases, complete list of Speakers, MCQs, and UPSC notes.

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Article 93 of Indian Constitution

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Speaker of Lok Sabha
Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
Article 93 Explained
Powers of Speaker
Election of Speaker
Article 93 UPSC Notes
Article 93 SSC Notes
Indian Constitution Articles
Parliament of India
Lok Sabha Speaker

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha

The Constitution of India is not merely a legal document; it is the foundation of the world's largest democracy. Every institution created under the Constitution has a specific purpose, and every constitutional office has been designed to maintain the balance between authority, accountability, and democratic governance. Among these institutions, the Lok Sabha, the House of the People, occupies a central place because it directly represents the citizens of India.

For the Lok Sabha to function efficiently, its proceedings must be conducted by an impartial authority who ensures discipline, protects the rights of members, and interprets parliamentary rules without bias. Recognizing this necessity, the framers of the Constitution incorporated Article 93, which provides for the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

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The Speaker is often regarded as the guardian of parliamentary democracy. Every debate, discussion, question, motion, and voting process in the Lok Sabha is conducted under the Speaker's supervision. The Deputy Speaker, on the other hand, ensures continuity in parliamentary functioning whenever the Speaker is absent or the office becomes vacant.

For aspirants preparing for UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, State PSC, CDS, CAPF, Railways, Banking, CLAT, Judiciary, and other competitive examinations, Article 93 is one of the most important provisions relating to the Union Legislature.

This article explains Article 93 in simple language while also covering its constitutional significance, historical background, election process, powers, removal procedure, important judicial decisions, and complete lists of all Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Lok Sabha.

Historical Background of Article 93

India adopted the parliamentary form of government largely inspired by the Westminster system of the United Kingdom. Under this model, Parliament requires a neutral presiding officer to regulate debates and ensure that legislative business is conducted according to established rules.

Even before independence, the Central Legislative Assembly had a presiding officer. After the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly (Legislative) functioned as the provisional Parliament until the first general elections in 1951–52.

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When the First Lok Sabha was constituted in 1952, Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar became the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He played a pivotal role in establishing parliamentary conventions and procedures that continue to guide the functioning of the House today.

The framers of the Constitution deliberately included Article 93 to ensure that every newly constituted Lok Sabha would elect its own Speaker and Deputy Speaker without unnecessary delay. This reflects the importance they attached to the independence and continuity of the legislature.

Text of Article 93

Article 93 of the Constitution of India states:

"The House of the People shall, as soon as may be, choose two members of the House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker thereof and, so often as the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker becomes vacant, the House shall choose another member to be Speaker or Deputy Speaker, as the case may be."

This provision appears brief, but it forms the constitutional basis for two of the most important offices in the Indian parliamentary system.

Simple Explanation of Article 93

In simple terms, Article 93 means that:

Every newly elected Lok Sabha must elect one of its members as the Speaker.
It must also elect another member as the Deputy Speaker.
If either office becomes vacant because of resignation, death, removal, or any other reason, the Lok Sabha must elect another member to fill the vacancy.

The Constitution uses the phrase "as soon as may be." Although no exact number of days is prescribed, the intention is clear—the House should not remain without these constitutional offices for an unreasonable period.

Why Is Article 93 Important?

Article 93 is much more than an administrative provision. It safeguards the functioning of India's parliamentary democracy.

Its importance can be understood from the following points:

It ensures that the Lok Sabha always has a constitutional presiding officer.
It guarantees orderly conduct of debates and legislative business.
It protects the rights and privileges of Members of Parliament.
It enables impartial interpretation of parliamentary rules.
It ensures continuity in the functioning of the House even if the Speaker's office becomes vacant.

Without Article 93, the day-to-day functioning of the Lok Sabha would face serious constitutional and procedural difficulties.

Objectives of Article 93

The principal objectives behind this provision are:

To provide constitutional leadership to the Lok Sabha.
To maintain order and discipline during parliamentary proceedings.
To establish a neutral authority above party politics while presiding over the House.
To ensure uninterrupted functioning of the legislature.
To preserve democratic traditions and parliamentary conventions.

Election of the Speaker

The election of the Speaker takes place after every general election to the Lok Sabha.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Constitution of the Lok Sabha

After the Election Commission declares the results of the general election, the President constitutes the new Lok Sabha.

Step 2: Appointment of the Pro Tem Speaker

Before the election of the Speaker, the President appoints the senior-most Member of Parliament as the Pro Tem Speaker.

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The Pro Tem Speaker performs two important functions:

Administers the oath to newly elected Members.
Conducts the election of the Speaker.

Step 3: Nomination of Candidates

Members submit notices proposing candidates for the office of Speaker.

Generally, the ruling party or coalition nominates a candidate after consultations with other political parties.

Step 4: Election

If only one candidate is nominated, the election is usually unanimous.

If there is more than one candidate, the House votes and elects the Speaker by a simple majority of members present and voting.

Step 5: Assumption of Office

Immediately after the election, the newly elected Speaker takes the Chair and begins discharging constitutional responsibilities.

Election of the Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker is also elected by the Lok Sabha from among its members.

Unlike the Speaker, the Constitution does not prescribe when this election must be held. The date is fixed by the House.

Although it has often been a parliamentary convention to elect a member from the Opposition as Deputy Speaker, this is not a constitutional requirement. The Constitution simply requires the House to elect one of its members.

Qualifications of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker

The Constitution does not prescribe separate qualifications.

A person must simply:

Be a member of the Lok Sabha.
Be qualified to continue as a Member of Parliament.
Enjoy the confidence of the House.

There are no separate educational or professional qualifications for these offices.

Oath

A common misconception is that the Speaker takes a separate oath.

In reality, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker do not take any additional constitutional oath after election. The oath they have already taken as Members of Parliament under the Constitution is sufficient.

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026)

Tenure of the Speaker

One of the unique constitutional features of the Speaker's office is that the Speaker does not vacate the office immediately after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Instead, the Speaker continues to hold office until immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha. This constitutional arrangement ensures continuity in parliamentary administration and avoids any constitutional vacuum. Under Article 94, the Deputy Speaker, like the Speaker, continues in office until immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha, unless they resign, are removed, or cease to be a member earlier. Correcting that point will make the article fully consistent with the Constitution.

For example, when the term of one Lok Sabha ends and general elections are conducted, the outgoing Speaker continues in office until the newly elected House chooses its new Speaker.

This continuity reflects the importance attached by the Constitution to the office of the Speaker.

Tenure of the Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker generally remains in office until:

The dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Resignation.
Removal by the House.
Ceasing to be a Member of Parliament.

Unlike the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker does not continue after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha because the office is directly connected with the existence of the House.

How Does the Speaker Resign?

If the Speaker wishes to resign, he or she submits a written resignation to the Deputy Speaker.

Similarly, if the Deputy Speaker wishes to resign, the resignation is addressed to the Speaker.

This arrangement ensures that neither office is dependent upon the Executive or the President for resignation.

Removal of the Speaker

The Constitution provides a democratic method for removing the Speaker if the House loses confidence in him or her.

The Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (an effective majority). Before such a resolution is considered, at least 14 days' notice must be given.

This notice period allows members to debate the issue fairly and prevents arbitrary removal.

Who Presides During the Removal Motion?

A natural question arises:

Can the Speaker preside over the House during a discussion regarding his or her own removal?

The answer is No.

Under Article 96 of the Constitution, the Speaker cannot preside while a resolution for his or her removal is under consideration.

During such proceedings:

The Deputy Speaker presides.
If the Deputy Speaker is also unavailable, another member chosen according to the Rules of Procedure presides.

This principle upholds the rule of natural justice that no one should judge their own case.

Vacancy in the Office

The office of the Speaker becomes vacant if:

The Speaker resigns.
The Speaker dies.
The Speaker is removed by the House.
The Speaker ceases to be a Member of the Lok Sabha.

The same principles apply to the Deputy Speaker.

Whenever a vacancy occurs, Article 93 requires the House to elect another member to fill the office.

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Powers and Functions of the Speaker

The Speaker is regarded as the guardian of the Lok Sabha because of the extensive constitutional and procedural powers attached to the office.

1. Presiding Over the House

The primary duty of the Speaker is to preside over the sittings of the Lok Sabha.

The Speaker ensures that proceedings are conducted according to the Constitution, parliamentary conventions, and the Rules of Procedure.

2. Maintaining Order and Discipline

Parliament often witnesses heated debates.

The Speaker has the authority to:

Maintain order.
Prevent disorderly conduct.
Direct members to resume their seats.
Suspend members for gross misconduct in accordance with the rules.

Without these powers, parliamentary proceedings would become chaotic.

3. Interpretation of Parliamentary Rules

Whenever any procedural dispute arises, the Speaker interprets the Rules of Procedure.

Within the House, these rulings are treated as authoritative and guide the conduct of business.

4. Certification of Money Bills

One of the Speaker's most significant constitutional responsibilities is under Article 110.

The Speaker decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill.

This certification has important constitutional consequences because the Rajya Sabha has limited powers over Money Bills.

5. Casting Vote

The Speaker normally does not vote in the Lok Sabha.

However, if the votes on a question are equally divided, the Speaker exercises a casting vote to break the tie.

This ensures that legislative deadlocks can be resolved.

6. Decision Under the Anti-Defection Law

The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution authorizes the Speaker to decide cases involving the disqualification of Members of Parliament on the ground of defection.

Because these decisions can affect the strength of political parties in the House, they have often been examined by the Supreme Court.

7. Head of the Lok Sabha Secretariat

The Speaker exercises administrative control over the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

The Secretariat assists Members of Parliament by:

Preparing parliamentary business.
Maintaining official records.
Providing research support.
Assisting parliamentary committees.

8. Appointment to Parliamentary Committees

Many parliamentary committees function under the supervision of the Speaker.

The Speaker nominates members to several important committees and plays a key role in ensuring effective legislative scrutiny.

9. Presiding Over Joint Sittings

Under Article 108, when a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament is convened, it is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha who presides over the meeting.

This highlights the constitutional importance of the office.

10. Protection of Parliamentary Privileges

The Speaker safeguards the dignity, privileges, and rights of the House and its members.

Questions relating to breach of privilege are often referred by the Speaker to the appropriate committee for examination.

Powers of the Deputy Speaker

Although the Deputy Speaker does not ordinarily preside over the House, the Constitution gives this office substantial authority.

Whenever the Speaker is absent or the office of the Speaker becomes vacant, the Deputy Speaker exercises all the powers and performs all the duties of the Speaker.

During this period, there is no distinction between the authority of the Speaker and that of the Deputy Speaker.

Is the Speaker Expected to Be Neutral?

Yes.

Although elected as a member of a political party, the Speaker is expected to discharge constitutional responsibilities impartially.

This expectation arises because the Speaker represents the entire House rather than the interests of any political party while presiding over proceedings.

Impartiality is considered essential for maintaining public confidence in Parliament.

Relationship Between Articles 93 and 97

Article 93 should be read together with the following constitutional provisions:

Article	Subject
Article 93	Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Article 94	Vacation, resignation, and removal of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Article 95	Powers of the Deputy Speaker or another member to perform the duties of the Speaker
Article 96	Speaker or Deputy Speaker not to preside while a resolution for removal is under consideration
Article 97	Salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker

Together, these Articles establish a complete constitutional framework governing the offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

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Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

1. Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992)

This landmark judgment examined the constitutional validity of the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).

Key Principles

The Speaker's decision under the Tenth Schedule is subject to judicial review.
The Speaker acts as a constitutional authority but is not immune from judicial scrutiny.

This judgment remains one of the most important decisions concerning the powers of the Speaker.

2. Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016)

In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Speaker should not decide disqualification petitions while a notice for the Speaker's removal is pending.

The judgment emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness and impartiality in the exercise of constitutional powers.

3. Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly (2020)

The Supreme Court observed that disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule should ordinarily be decided within a reasonable period, generally within three months, unless exceptional circumstances justify a delay.

This decision highlighted the need for timely adjudication to preserve democratic accountability.

Constitutional Importance of Article 93

Article 93 serves as one of the foundational provisions of India's parliamentary democracy because it:

Ensures that the Lok Sabha always has constitutional leadership.
Maintains continuity in legislative functioning.
Protects parliamentary traditions.
Provides a neutral presiding authority.
Strengthens democratic governance through orderly legislative procedure.

The framers of the Constitution considered these offices indispensable to the effective functioning of Parliament, which is why Article 93 appears among the earliest provisions dealing with the Union Legislature.

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026)

Complete List of Lok Sabha Speakers (1952–2026)

All Lok Sabha Speakers of India from 1952 to 2026 with their tenure and major contributions under Article 93 of the Indian Constitution.

Since the establishment of the First Lok Sabha in 1952, the office of the Speaker has been occupied by distinguished parliamentarians who have played an important role in shaping India's parliamentary democracy. Some Speakers introduced lasting reforms, while others presided during significant constitutional and political developments.

No.	Speaker	Tenure	Major Contribution
1	Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar	15 May 1952 – 27 Feb 1956	First Speaker of Lok Sabha; known as the Father of the Lok Sabha. Established many parliamentary conventions followed even today.
2	M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar	8 Mar 1956 – 16 Apr 1962	Strengthened committee-based parliamentary work and improved legislative procedures.
3	Sardar Hukam Singh	17 Apr 1962 – 16 Mar 1967	Presided during the India–China conflict period and promoted orderly parliamentary debates.
4	Neelam Sanjiva Reddy	17 Mar 1967 – 19 Jul 1969	Resigned to contest the Presidential election and later became the 6th President of India.
5	Gurdial Singh Dhillon	8 Aug 1969 – 1 Dec 1975	Encouraged detailed scrutiny of Bills through parliamentary committees.
6	Bali Ram Bhagat	5 Jan 1976 – 25 Mar 1977	Served during the Emergency period and ensured the functioning of parliamentary business.
7	Neelam Sanjiva Reddy	26 Mar 1977 – 13 Jul 1977	Returned as Speaker after the Emergency before being elected President of India.
8	K. S. Hegde	21 Jul 1977 – 21 Jan 1980	Former Supreme Court Judge who emphasized the independence and dignity of Parliament.
9	Balram Jakhar	22 Jan 1980 – 18 Dec 1989	Longest-serving Speaker in Indian history. Modernized parliamentary administration and promoted computerization.
10	Rabi Ray	19 Dec 1989 – 9 Jul 1991	Strengthened the role of the Opposition and encouraged wider use of Zero Hour.
11	Shivraj V. Patil	10 Jul 1991 – 22 May 1996	Presided over Parliament during India's early economic reform period.
12	P. A. Sangma	23 May 1996 – 23 Mar 1998	Promoted consensus among coalition governments and upheld the dignity of the Chair.
13	G. M. C. Balayogi	24 Mar 1998 – 3 Mar 2002	Youngest Speaker of the Lok Sabha; encouraged the use of technology in parliamentary work.
14	Manohar Gajanan Joshi	10 May 2002 – 2 Jun 2004	Focused on improving legislative efficiency and committee functioning.
15	Somnath Chatterjee	4 Jun 2004 – 31 May 2009	Widely respected for defending the neutrality of the Speaker's office, particularly during the 2008 confidence vote.
16	Meira Kumar	3 Jun 2009 – 4 Jun 2014	First woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Promoted inclusive parliamentary participation.
17	Sumitra Mahajan	6 Jun 2014 – 18 Jun 2019	Known for calm conduct of proceedings and effective management of House business.
18	Om Birla	19 Jun 2019 – Present (re-elected in 2024)	Promoted paperless Parliament, digital initiatives, multilingual interpretation, and greater public outreach.

Interesting Facts About Lok Sabha Speakers

First Speaker: Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar
First Woman Speaker: Meira Kumar
Longest-serving Speaker: Balram Jakhar
Youngest Speaker: G. M. C. Balayogi
Speaker who later became President: Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Current Speaker (2026): Om Birla

Complete List of Deputy Speakers of the Lok Sabha

Complete List of All Lok Sabha Deputy Speakers (1952–2026) | Article 93 of the Indian Constitution

The Deputy Speaker performs all the functions of the Speaker whenever the Speaker is absent or the office becomes vacant. Over the years, several Deputy Speakers have later become Speakers, reflecting the importance of this constitutional office. (MPA)

No.	Deputy Speaker	Tenure	Major Contribution
1	M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar	30 May 1952 – 7 Mar 1956	First Deputy Speaker; later became Speaker.
2	Sardar Hukam Singh	20 Mar 1956 – 16 Apr 1962	Later became Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
3	S. V. Krishnamoorthy Rao	23 Apr 1962 – 3 Mar 1967	Presided over important debates with impartiality.
4	R. K. Khadilkar	28 Mar 1967 – 1 Dec 1969	Managed House proceedings during political transition.
5	G. G. Swell	9 Dec 1969 – 18 Jan 1977	One of the longest-serving Deputy Speakers; known for balanced conduct of proceedings.
6	Godey Murahari	1 Apr 1977 – 22 Aug 1979	Later served as Governor; remembered for parliamentary discipline.
7	G. Lakshmanan	1 Feb 1980 – 31 Dec 1984	Assisted in improving legislative efficiency.
8	M. Thambi Durai	22 Jan 1985 – 27 Nov 1989	One of the youngest Deputy Speakers; later served a second term.
9	Shivraj V. Patil	19 Mar 1990 – 9 Jul 1991	Later became Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
10	S. Mallikarjunaiah	13 Aug 1991 – 10 May 1996	Known for impartial conduct in coalition-era politics.
11	Suraj Bhan	12 Jul 1996 – 4 Dec 1997	Later served as Governor of several states.
12	P. M. Sayeed	17 Dec 1998 – 3 Feb 2004	One of the longest-serving Deputy Speakers; respected for calm and fair conduct.
13	Charanjit Singh Atwal	9 Jun 2004 – 18 May 2009	Efficiently managed proceedings during the 14th Lok Sabha.
14	Karia Munda	8 Jun 2009 – 18 May 2014	Widely appreciated for balanced handling of debates.
15	M. Thambi Durai	13 Aug 2014 – 25 May 2019	Second term as Deputy Speaker; presided over several important constitutional discussions.

Why Has There Been No Deputy Speaker Since 2019?

The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) did not elect a Deputy Speaker. After the constitution of the 18th Lok Sabha in 2024, the post has continued to remain vacant. Although Article 93 says that the House shall elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker "as soon as may be," the Constitution does not specify an exact deadline. This has been the subject of constitutional and political debate.

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Examination Facts to Remember

Article 93 deals with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
The first Speaker was G. V. Mavalankar.
The first Deputy Speaker was M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar.
The first woman Speaker was Meira Kumar.
The longest-serving Speaker was Balram Jakhar.
The current Speaker is Om Birla.
The Deputy Speaker's post remains vacant (as of 2026).

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Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026)

Previous Year Examination Questions (PYQs)

The offices of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are frequently tested in UPSC, SSC, State PSC, CDS, CAPF, and Judiciary examinations. While questions may not always mention Article 93 directly, they often test related constitutional provisions and parliamentary procedures.

UPSC-Type Questions

Q1. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: Article 93

Q2. Who decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill?

Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Q3. Which Schedule of the Constitution deals with the Anti-Defection Law?

Answer: Tenth Schedule.

Q4. During the consideration of a resolution for the removal of the Speaker, who presides over the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The Deputy Speaker (or another member as provided by the Rules if the Deputy Speaker is unavailable).

Q5. Can the Speaker continue in office after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: Yes. The Speaker continues until immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha.

30 Most Important MCQs

1. Article 93 of the Constitution deals with:

A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D. Council of Ministers

Answer: C

2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by:

A. President
B. Rajya Sabha
C. Lok Sabha
D. Election Commission

Answer: C

3. The Deputy Speaker is elected by:

A. President
B. Rajya Sabha
C. Lok Sabha
D. Prime Minister

Answer: C

4. Which Article deals with the vacation, resignation and removal of the Speaker?

A. 93
B. 94
C. 95
D. 96

Answer: B

5. Which Article deals with the powers of the Deputy Speaker?

A. 93
B. 94
C. 95
D. 96

Answer: C

6. The Speaker certifies a:

A. Constitutional Amendment Bill

B. Money Bill

C. Finance Commission Report

D. Ordinance

Answer: B

7. Who appoints the Pro Tem Speaker?

Answer: The President of India.

8. The first Speaker of the Lok Sabha was:

A. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

B. G. V. Mavalankar

C. Balram Jakhar

D. Om Birla

Answer: B

9. The first woman Speaker was:

A. Indira Gandhi

B. Meira Kumar

C. Sumitra Mahajan

D. Pratibha Patil

Answer: B

10. The longest-serving Speaker was:

A. Om Birla

B. Balram Jakhar

C. Somnath Chatterjee

D. Shivraj Patil

Answer: B

11. Under which Schedule does the Speaker decide defection cases?

Answer: Tenth Schedule.

12. The Speaker exercises a casting vote when:

A. The Government requests.

B. Parliament is dissolved.

C. There is an equality of votes.

D. During Question Hour.

Answer: C

13. The Deputy Speaker resigns by addressing the resignation to the:

Answer: Speaker.

14. The Speaker resigns by addressing the resignation to the:

Answer: Deputy Speaker.

15. The Speaker presides over:

A. Rajya Sabha

B. State Legislative Council

C. Lok Sabha

D. Supreme Court

Answer: C

16. Who presides over a Joint Sitting of Parliament?

Answer: Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

17. The office of Speaker is a:

A. Statutory Office

B. Constitutional Office

C. Judicial Office

D. Executive Office

Answer: B

18. Which Article deals with salaries of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker?

Answer: Article 97.

19. The Speaker is expected to remain:

A. Political

B. Neutral and impartial

C. Executive

D. Judicial

Answer: B

20. Article 93 belongs to which Part of the Constitution?

Answer: Part V (The Union).

Practice Questions (1–10)

What majority is required to elect the Speaker?
Can a non-member become Speaker?
Which Article deals with removal proceedings against the Speaker?
Why does the Speaker continue after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?
Name the first Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Which constitutional amendment introduced the Anti-Defection Law?
Which Supreme Court case upheld judicial review of the Speaker's decisions under the Tenth Schedule?
What is the constitutional significance of the phrase "as soon as may be" in Article 93?
Why is the Speaker's certification of a Money Bill important?
What role does the Speaker play in parliamentary committees?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Article 93 of the Indian Constitution?

Article 93 requires the Lok Sabha to elect a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its members as soon as possible after the House is constituted.

2. Who elects the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha by a majority of members present and voting.

3. Is there a fixed constitutional time limit to elect the Deputy Speaker?

No. The Constitution uses the expression "as soon as may be", but it does not prescribe a fixed number of days.

4. Who was the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar was the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

5. Who is the current Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

As of 2026, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is Om Birla.

6. Can the Speaker decide anti-defection cases?

Yes. Under the Tenth Schedule, the Speaker decides disqualification petitions arising from defection. Such decisions are subject to judicial review.

7. Can the Speaker vote in the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker ordinarily does not vote. However, in the event of a tie, the Speaker exercises a casting vote.

8. What happens if the Speaker's office becomes vacant?

Under Article 93, the Lok Sabha must elect another member as Speaker.

Conclusion

Article 93 forms the constitutional foundation for two of the most important offices in India's parliamentary democracy—the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Although the provision consists of only a few lines, its significance extends far beyond the election of these officers. It ensures continuity in the functioning of the Lok Sabha, protects the rights of Members of Parliament, and promotes orderly legislative proceedings.

The Speaker occupies a position of trust and responsibility. From maintaining order during debates to certifying Money Bills and deciding questions under the Anti-Defection Law, the office plays a vital role in preserving democratic values. The Deputy Speaker complements this role by ensuring that the work of the House continues without interruption whenever the Speaker is unable to preside.

For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, State PSC, Judiciary, CDS, CAPF, Banking, Railways, and other competitive examinations, Article 93 is an essential topic that should be studied alongside Articles 94, 95, 96, 97, Article 110, and the Tenth Schedule.

A clear understanding of these provisions not only helps in examinations but also deepens one's appreciation of India's constitutional framework and parliamentary system.

"The Constitution is not a mere lawyers' document; it is a vehicle of life." — Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Official References

Use only authoritative sources while updating constitutional articles:

Constitution of India (Legislative Department): https://legislative.gov.in/constitution-of-india/
Lok Sabha Secretariat: https://sansad.in/ls
Parliament of India: https://sansad.in
PRS Legislative Research: https://prsindia.org

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution Explained: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha | Complete Guide (2026)

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026) | UPSC, SSC & Judiciary Notes

Description

Focus Subject

Keywords

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Historical Background of Article 93

Text of Article 93

Simple Explanation of Article 93

Why Is Article 93 Important?

Objectives of Article 93

Election of the Speaker

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Constitution of the Lok Sabha

Step 2: Appointment of the Pro Tem Speaker

Step 3: Nomination of Candidates

Step 4: Election

Step 5: Assumption of Office

Election of the Deputy Speaker

Qualifications of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker

Oath

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026)

Tenure of the Speaker

Tenure of the Deputy Speaker

How Does the Speaker Resign?

Removal of the Speaker

Who Presides During the Removal Motion?

Vacancy in the Office

Powers and Functions of the Speaker

1. Presiding Over the House

2. Maintaining Order and Discipline

3. Interpretation of Parliamentary Rules

4. Certification of Money Bills

5. Casting Vote

6. Decision Under the Anti-Defection Law

7. Head of the Lok Sabha Secretariat

8. Appointment to Parliamentary Committees

9. Presiding Over Joint Sittings

10. Protection of Parliamentary Privileges

Powers of the Deputy Speaker

Is the Speaker Expected to Be Neutral?

Relationship Between Articles 93 and 97

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

1. Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992)

Key Principles

2. Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016)

3. Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly (2020)

Constitutional Importance of Article 93

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026)

Complete List of Lok Sabha Speakers (1952–2026)

Interesting Facts About Lok Sabha Speakers

Complete List of Deputy Speakers of the Lok Sabha

Why Has There Been No Deputy Speaker Since 2019?

Examination Facts to Remember

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution: Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha – Complete Guide (2026)

Previous Year Examination Questions (PYQs)

UPSC-Type Questions

30 Most Important MCQs

1. Article 93 of the Constitution deals with:

2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by:

3. The Deputy Speaker is elected by:

4. Which Article deals with the vacation, resignation and removal of the Speaker?

5. Which Article deals with the powers of the Deputy Speaker?

6. The Speaker certifies a:

7. Who appoints the Pro Tem Speaker?

8. The first Speaker of the Lok Sabha was:

9. The first woman Speaker was:

10. The longest-serving Speaker was:

11. Under which Schedule does the Speaker decide defection cases?

12. The Speaker exercises a casting vote when:

13. The Deputy Speaker resigns by addressing the resignation to the:

14. The Speaker resigns by addressing the resignation to the:

15. The Speaker presides over:

16. Who presides over a Joint Sitting of Parliament?

17. The office of Speaker is a:

18. Which Article deals with salaries of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker?

19. The Speaker is expected to remain:

20. Article 93 belongs to which Part of the Constitution?

Practice Questions (1–10)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)