The Speaker: The guardian of Democracy and Parliamentary integrity in India

Y Devendro Singh
Contd from previous issue
This motion was adopted on May 23, 2006, and stated : "That this House having taken note of the Third Report of the Committee of Privileges, laid on the Table of the House on 19 May 2006, agrees with the findings and conclusions of the Committee and resolves that Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap, former Secretary-General, Lok Sabha has committed a gross breach of privilege and contempt of the House by imputing motives to the Speaker, Lok Sabha in discharge of his duties and casting reflections on his impartiality and admonishes him for his grave misconduct."
Moreover, it is pertinent to recall the insightful observation made by the Madras High Court in the case of K.A. Mathialagan v. P. Srinivasan regarding the role of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The court articulated:
“The office of Speaker being obviously an office resulting from election or choice, the per- son se chosen holds the office during the pleasure of the majority. As a Speaker is expected to be a friend of every member and be circumspect in all respects, it is an office of reverence as total impartiality is the basic requisite of the office. The Speaker is undoubtedly a servant of the House, not its Master and the authority transmitted to him by the House is the authority of the House itself which he exercises in accordance with the mandates, interests and well being of the House....”
In conclusion, the Speaker must exercise caution to avoid making hasty decisions, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the parliamentary process. It is imperative for the Speaker to remain sensitive to the atmosphere within the House. During times of excitement, uproar, accusatory remarks, or persistent interruptions, they should deploy subtle wit and healthy humour to manage the situation, alleviate tension, and foster an environment conducive to orderly and relaxed debate. This skill, whether innate or cultivated, is undoubtedly a powerful asset for a wise and capable Speaker.
Furthermore, the Speaker should embrace the role of a consensus builder, promoting collaboration among members and bridging partisan divides. By cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect, the Speaker can facilitate more productive discussions, allowing a wider array of perspectives to be considered in the legislative process. This approach not only leads to better decision-making but also enhances the legitimacy of parliamentary proceedings in the eyes of the public.
In addition, as societal challenges continue to evolve, the Speaker's ability to engage with contemporary issues—ranging from social justice to technology and governance—will be essential. Such engagement ensures the legislative agenda remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the populace. Lastly, as a custodian of parliamentary tradition, the Speaker plays a crucial role in educating new members about their duties and the importance of maintaining decorum, which is fundamental to the respect and functioning of legislative democracy.
Given these responsibilities, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds the sixth rank in order of precedence, equivalent to the Chief Justice of India. Similarly, in the context of a State Assembly, the Speaker holds a position on par with the Chief Justice of the State High Court. This stature not only underscores their influence but also highlights the critical need for their leadership to embody the core democratic values that underpin the nation.
The writer is Joint Director, Manipur Legislative Assembly