Consider the following statements: I. On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before the first meeting of the House of the People after the dissolution. II. According to the provisions of the Constitution of India, a Member of the House of the People on being elected as Speaker shall resign from his/her political Ammediately party III. The Speaker of the House of the People may be removed from his/her office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then Members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. I and II only
2. B. II and III only
3. C. I and III only
4. D. I, II and III

Answer: C

Explanation

Statement I is correct. As per the second proviso to Article 94 of the Constitution, the Speaker does not vacate their office immediately upon the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. They continue in office until immediately before the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha. This ensures continuity. Statement II is incorrect. The Constitution does not mandate that a Speaker must resign from their political party upon election. While conventions in some parliamentary democracies (like the UK) suggest impartiality, in India, Speakers generally retain their party membership. The Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule) even provides an exemption for the Speaker if they voluntarily give up party membership. Statement III is correct. Article 94(c) states that the Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (effective majority), and such a resolution requires at least 14 days’ prior notice. Therefore, statements I and III are correct. The office of the Speaker and its constitutional provisions are fundamental for UPSC Polity & Governance.