The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy. Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.

Deputy Speaker post has been vacant for past six years and has become point of debate among parties. Goes beyond ceremonial significance and indispensable to democracy. 1) Constitutional post, hence have powers and duties derived from constitution, nature gives powers & duties to Speaker (equivalent only role when Speaker is absent). 2) Not 'secondary' to Speaker - equivalent only role when Speaker is absent. 3) Conventionally, appointed from opposition, is giving leadership to opposition. 4) Prevent arbitrariness of executive. 5) Majority by ensuring equal time for opposition during debates. 6) Duty to ensure decorum and order of the house (of admissibility of point of order). 7) Ensure continuity of the deliberation during absence of Speaker. 8) Automatically becomes head of committees s/he want of is contribute in policy making and deliberation. 9) Perform quasi judicial duty by solving conflict among parties in the house. 10) May represent Indian Parliament at Inter parliamentary unions.

Support Speaker in administrative functions. Implications of prolonged vacancy: a) Implication of prolonged vacancy. b) Hint of 'Executive Majoritarianism' as by convention the post is given to opposition. c) Role of Speaker under scrutiny as he determines date of election. d) Lack of substantive democracy as deputy speaker absence create void in deliberations. e) Ruling party majority in panel of Speakers who take seat during absence of Speaker. f) Wrong precedence for parliament is may be followed by next party in power. g) Wrong precedence for state legislative assemblies. Deputy Speaker must appointed as early as possible to strengthen parliamentary senority.

— RITIK SINGHVI · AIR 203