The Constitution of India
Article 95
Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker
(1) While the office of Speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker or, if the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the House of the People as the President may appoint for the purpose.
(2) During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the House of the People the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent, such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the House, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the House, shall act as Speaker.
Why this exists
The Constitution-makers wanted the Lok Sabha to never be leaderless, since a presiding officer is needed to conduct business, maintain order, and certify decisions. Article 95 creates a clear chain of substitutes—first the Deputy Speaker, then a House-approved or President-appointed stand-in—so that a vacancy or a single day's absence of the Speaker can never paralyse the House's functioning.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: If the Speaker is briefly absent, Parliament cannot function that day.
Fact: Article 95(2) allows the Deputy Speaker or another designated member to preside, so the House can carry on normally. - Myth: Only the Deputy Speaker can ever preside if the Speaker's post is vacant.
Fact: If the Deputy Speaker's office is also vacant, the President can appoint another Lok Sabha member to perform the Speaker's duties under Article 95(1).