With reference to the Panel of Chairpersons of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:

1. Under the rules of Lok Sabha the Speaker nominates a panel of chairpersons of not more than ten members.

2. The head of the panel of chairpersons can preside over the House in the absence of the Speaker.

3. The member of the panel of chairpersons cannot preside over the House if the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is vacant.

4. During the vacancy of the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker, the member to preside over the House is appointed by the President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Solution

• Statement 1 is correct: Under the Rules of Lok Sabha, the Speaker nominates from amongst the members a panel of not more than ten chairpersons. • Statement 2 is incorrect: There is no head of the panel of the chairpersons, any of them can preside over the House in the absence of the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker. • Statement 3 is correct: The member of the panel of chairpersons cannot preside over the House if the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is vacant. Hence members of the panel of the chairpersons can only preside over the House in the absence of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker and not when the office is vacant. • Statement 4 is correct: When the office of the Speaker or the Deputy speaker is vacant, during such times, the Speaker’s duties are to be performed by such members of the House as the President may appoint for the purpose.