Supreme Court to Hear Case on Deputy Speaker Elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
The Supreme Court of India will hear a case on July 22 regarding the election of Deputy Speakers for the Lok Sabha and several State Legislative Assemblies. The case, brought by petitioner Shariq Ahmed, highlights the long-standing vacancies in these positions, which are mandated by the Indian Constitution.
Details of the Case
A bench consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra agreed to list the matter on July 22 as Attorney General R Venkataramani was not available to argue the case earlier. Chief Justice Chandrachud stated, “Alright let him come on Monday we will list the case.”
Petitioner’s Argument
Shariq Ahmed, the counsel representing the petitioner, submitted that the Centre needs to explain why the Deputy Speaker position in the Lok Sabha remains vacant. The petition also pointed out that the newly formed Parliament has not appointed a Deputy Speaker.
Constitutional Mandate
In February 2023, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and several States regarding the PIL. The petition emphasized that, according to Article 93 and Article 178 of the Indian Constitution, it is mandatory for State legislatures to conduct elections for the post of Deputy Speakers. The plea argued that the vacancy of this constitutional post deprives the public of their right to be governed as per the Constitutional mandate.
States Affected
The petition noted that the Deputy Speaker positions have been vacant for years in the Lok Sabha and State assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, and Rajasthan.
