UPSC Previous Year Question | Mains GS2 | 2026

Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House? (Answer in 150 words)

Answer

Introduction

The Speaker must protect orderly deliberation and minority rights, but the Tenth Schedule also makes the office the first-instance adjudicator of politically consequential defection disputes.

Sources Of Partisan Vulnerability

The Speaker generally belongs to the ruling party; Paragraph 6 of the Tenth Schedule gives first-instance authority over disqualification. Delayed petitions can permit defectors to vote in confidence motions, while selective speed can alter majorities. Recognition of whips and party factions adds discretion. Kihoto Hollohan permits judicial review, but only after the decision.

Institutional Reforms

Transfer adjudication to an independent tribunal headed by a retired judge, or require the President to act on the Election Commission’s binding opinion under an Articles 103/192-style model. Prescribe a firm timeline, codify recognition of party leadership, and restrict the whip mainly to confidence, no-confidence and money Bills. Strengthen multiparty business committees and publish reasoned orders.

Balanced Assessment

Articles 93-94 and parliamentary conventions provide institutional stature, but conventions cannot cure structural conflict of interest. Independent, time-bound adjudication would preserve both legislative autonomy and neutrality.

Keywords

Tenth Schedule; Paragraph 6; Article 94; Kihoto Hollohan; Keisham Meghachandra; Subhash Desai; judicial review; parliamentary neutrality

Topics: anti-defection law, indian polity, lok sabha speaker, parliament