Indian Politics : Practice Questions and Answers

Meira Kumar served as the Speaker of the 15th Lok Sabha (2009–2014). She was the first woman to hold the position of Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India. Sumitra Mahajan was the Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha. Rabi Ray and P A Sangma were speakers of earlier Lok Sabhas.

Under Article 100(3) of the Indian Constitution, the quorum required to constitute a sitting of the Lok Sabha is one-tenth of the total membership, i.e., at least 55 members (out of 543) must be present. The same rule applies to the Rajya Sabha.

Under the 10th Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) of the Indian Constitution, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the final authority to decide on disqualification of Lok Sabha members. Similarly, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha decides for Rajya Sabha members.

Under Article 118 of the Indian Constitution, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. A joint sitting is convened by the President when there is a deadlock between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on a non-money Bill.

Article 356 (President's Rule) was invoked in Kerala in 1959 to dismiss the E.M.S. Namboodiripad-led Communist government — the first elected Communist government in India. It was the first use of President's Rule in Indian history and remains one of the most controversial applications of Article 356.

As per Article 65 of the Indian Constitution, if both the President and Vice President are unavailable, the Chief Justice of India acts as the President. If the Chief Justice is also unavailable, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court assumes the role.