As of the most recent updates in 2025, the position of Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha remains vacant. This absence has filed into public and political debate, sparking concern over constitutional norms and parliamentary balance. The gap in this important parliamentary role is significant because the Deputy Speaker traditionally steps in to preside over the House whenever the Speaker is absent, and their election is mandated by the Indian Constitution. Understanding the reasons behind the continued vacancy and the implications for India’s parliamentary system is crucial for those following the nation’s democracy.
Constitutional Role of the Deputy Speaker
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a constitutionally recognized position under topic 93 of the Indian Constitution, which requires the Lok Sabha to elect both a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker as soon as may be.
In addition, topic 95 empowers the Deputy Speaker to perform the duties of the Speaker when the latter is absent or when the Speaker’s office is vacant. The Deputy Speaker, when presiding, enjoys the same powers as the Speaker to maintain order, call for votes, and conduct business.
Functions and Responsibilities
- Presiding over Lok Sabha sessions in the absence of the Speaker.
- Maintaining decorum and interpreting the procedural rules of the House.
- Exercising a casting vote in case of a tie when presiding.
- Charing certain parliamentary committees automatically if they are a member.
Current Status Vacancy in the 18th Lok Sabha
The Deputy Speaker post has remained unfilled since the 17th Lok Sabha, and this vacancy carries over into the current 18th Lok Sabha. Political observers note that this is an unprecedented situation in India’s parliamentary history because the role has traditionally been filled.
Opposition parties, especially the INDIA bloc, have strongly pushed for the election of a Deputy Speaker. They argue that the seat should go to a member of the opposition, in keeping with parliamentary convention. Despite this demand, no formal election has taken place as of mid-2025.
Why the Vacancy Matters
The absence of a Deputy Speaker raises serious concerns about parliamentary checks and balances. Without a Deputy, there is no guaranteed second-in-command to preside over the Lok Sabha during the Speaker’s absence. This can hinder the functioning of the House and delay its business.
Critics argue that failing to elect a Deputy Speaker undermines democratic norms and the Constitution itself. Since topic 93 uses the phrase as soon as may be, the delay is being viewed as a neglect of constitutional responsibility. The delay also disrupts the tradition of giving the Deputy Speaker position to the opposition, which many see as a way to ensure fairness and impartiality in parliamentary leadership.
Political Debate and Pressure
Opposition leaders have repeatedly called for the election, pointing out that the post has been vacant for two full Lok Sabha terms. In June 2025, the Congress chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the prompt election of a Deputy Speaker.
According to convention, if the Speaker is from the ruling party or alliance, the Deputy Speaker is often nominated from the opposition. The INDIA bloc is reportedly considering internal consensus candidates, such as Awadhesh Prasad, to contest for the post. However, despite these discussions, no official poll or election has been held so far.
Challenges to Filling the Position
Political Strategy and Power Dynamics
The delay in electing a Deputy Speaker may reflect deeper political calculations. For the ruling party, leaving the post vacant could be advantageous, giving them more control over proceedings without the traditional internal check from an opposition Deputy Speaker. For the opposition, winning the post requires coordinating across multiple parties and convincing members to back a candidate who may not align with every party’s priorities.
Constitutional vs. Conventional Obligation
Some defenders of the status quo argue that the word shall in topic 93 should not be interpreted as an absolute requirement for immediate election, suggesting some flexibility. However, opponents view this delay as a violation of democratic and constitutional norms, pointing to decades of tradition and precedent.
Implications for Parliamentary Functioning
The continued absence of a Deputy Speaker has practical and symbolic implications
- Disruption Risk Without a Deputy, there is no reliable stand-in for the Speaker in their absence.
- Institutional Imbalance A vacant Deputy Speaker seat weakens the principle of balance in parliamentary leadership, especially when the Speaker belongs to the ruling side.
- Convention Undermined Ignoring the convention of offering the role to the opposition may erode goodwill and cross-party cooperation.
- Constitutional Concern The delay raises questions about respecting constitutional provisions that demand such an election.
Calls for Resolution
As the debate continues, some voices in civil society, academia, and politics emphasize the urgent need to fill the Deputy Speaker position. Doing so would restore the balance of power in Parliament and honor the constitutional provision laid out in topic 93.
Others stress that an election must happen in a transparent and bipartisan manner, respecting the tradition of opposition representation. This would not only solve a leadership vacuum but also strengthen the democratic fabric of Lok Sabha by reaffirming the role’s political and symbolic importance.
The Lok Sabha’s Deputy Speaker post remains conspicuously unfilled in 2025, leaving a major constitutional role vacant. While the Constitution mandates an election, political divisions and strategic calculations have delayed the process. The absence raises serious questions about parliamentary balance, accountability, and the respect for democratic traditions. Filling this post is not just a procedural formality it represents a return to equilibrium in the House of the People.