The Powers of the Speaker of Lok Sabha: The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is known as the Speaker. The members of the House (i.e., the Lok Sabha) elect him. He remains the Speaker even after Lok Sabha is dissolved till the next House elects a new Speaker in his place. Following are his powers and functions:
1. The basic function of the Speaker is to preside over the house, and conduct the meetings of the House in orderly manner.
2. No member of the Lok Sabha can speak in the House without his permission.
3. He may ask a member to finish his speech and in case the member does not obey he may order that the speech should not be recorded.
4. All the bills, reports, motions and resolutions are introduced with Speaker's. permission.
5. He puts the motion or bill to vote.
6. He does not participate in the voting but when there is a tie, i.e. equal number of votes on both sides, he can use his casting vote. But he is expected to cast his vote in a manner so that his impartiality and independence is retained.
7. The Speaker appoints Chairman of all the committees.
8. The Speaker is the link between the President and the House.
9. The Speaker signs all the bills before they are sent to the Rajya Sabha or to the President for his assent.
10. No motion for adjournment or a debate on a bill can be taken up without his consent.
11. The Speaker decides whether a bill is a money bill or not.
12.The Speaker is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the members of Lok Sabha.
13.It is the duty of the Speaker to see that the business of Lok Sabha is transacted only when here is a proper quorum.
14.He can put the matter to the vote of the House, if government and opposition are divided on a point.
15.When the Speaker rises, others must sit down and must not leave the House while he addresses the House.
16.His decisions in all parliamentary matters are final. He also rules on points of order raised by the members and his decision is final.
17.He disqualifies a member of his membership in case of defection. He also accepts the resignation of members and decides about the genuineness of the resignation.
18.In case of joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the Speaker presides over the meeting.
