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List of Lok Sabha Speakers from 1952 to 2024

The Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, is presided over by the Speaker, a pivotal figure responsible for ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings and upholding the principles of democracy. Since India’s independence, the role of the Speaker has been occupied by various distinguished leaders, each contributing uniquely to the parliamentary democracy. This article delves into the history and the notable figures who have served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Who is the Speaker of Lok Sabha?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer of the lower house of India’s Parliament. Elected by Lok Sabha members, the Speaker maintains order during debates, ensures parliamentary rules are followed, and represents the house in all its external affairs. The position is pivotal in facilitating the legislative process and upholding the dignity and independence of the house.

Appointment of Lok Sabha Speaker

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by its members through a simple majority, as mandated by Article 93 of the Indian Constitution. This article specifies that the Lok Sabha must elect a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its members. The President of India oversees this process but does not appoint the Speaker directly. The candidate must be a current member of the Lok Sabha to be eligible for election.

List of Lok Sabha Speakers from 1952 to 2024

The Lok Sabha, India’s House of the People, has had numerous distinguished Speakers from 1952 to 2024, each playing a crucial role in shaping parliamentary proceedings and ensuring the smooth functioning of the legislative process.

Here is the complete list of Lok Sabha Speakers from 1952 to 2024:

S. No. Name From To
1. Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar 15 May 1952 27 Feb 1956
2. M. A. Ayyangar 08 Mar 1956 10 May 1957
3.   11 May 1957 16 Apr 1962
4. Sardar Hukam Singh 17 Apr 1962 16 Mar 1967
5. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy 17 Mar 1967 19 Jul 1969
6. Gurdial Singh Dhillon 08 Aug 1969 19 Mar 1971
7.   22 Mar 1971 01 Dec 1975
8. Bali Ram Bhagat 15 Jan 1976 25 Mar 1977
9. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy 26 Mar 1977 13 Jul 1977
10. K.S. Hegde 21 Jul 1977 21 Jan 1980
11. Balran Jakhar 22 Jan 1980 15 Jan 1985
12. Rabi Ray 19 Dec 1989 09 Jul 1991
13. Shivraj Patil 10 Jul 1991 22 May 1996
14. P.A. Sangma 23 May 1996 23 Mar 1998
15. G.M.C. Balayogi 24 Mar 1998 19 Oct 1999
16.   22 Oct 1999 03 Mar 2002
17. Manohar Joshi 10 May 2002 02 Jun 2004
18. Somnath Chatterjee 04 Jun 2004 30 May 2009
19. Meira Kumar 30 May 2009 04 Jun 2014
20. Sumitra Mahajan 06 Jun 2014 16 Jun 2019
21. Om Birla 18 Jun 2019 Incumbent

Functions of Lok Sabha Speaker

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha occupies a crucial position as the presiding officer of the lower house of the Indian Parliament. The Indian Constitution outlines the Speaker’s extensive powers, underscoring the importance of this role. Key powers of the Lok Sabha Speaker include:

  • Final Interpreter: The Speaker serves as the ultimate authority on interpreting the Constitution of India, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha, and parliamentary precedents within the House.
  • Maintaining Order: The Speaker ensures order and decorum during House sessions, presides over meetings, and can participate in proceedings without voting rights.
  • Certifying Money Bills: The Speaker determines whether a bill qualifies as a money bill, and this decision is conclusive.
  • Adjournment: The Speaker holds the authority to adjourn House proceedings or suspend meetings until quorum requirements are met.
  • Setting the Agenda: The Speaker decides which topics and issues will be discussed during parliamentary sessions.
  • Disqualification Powers: Under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, the Speaker can disqualify Members of Parliament on grounds of defection.
  • Voting Authority: While the Speaker does not vote ordinarily, they possess the power to cast a deciding vote in case of a tie.
  • Joint and Secret Sessions: The Speaker presides over joint sittings of both houses of Parliament and can convene a ‘secret sitting’ of the House.

List of Lok Sabha Speakers from 1952 to 2024_4.1

 

FAQs

Who is the Lok Sabha speaker?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer of the lower house of India's Parliament.

Who appoints the Lok Sabha speaker?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by its members through a simple majority, as mandated by Article 93 of the Indian Constitution.

Who was the first Lok Sabha speaker?

Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar was the first Lok Sabha speaker who served the office from 15th May 1952 to 27th February 1956.

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