Why Deputy Speaker post lying vacant, ask experts

Election is a mandatory constitutional provision, say Oppn parties

- PREETHA NAIR @ New Delhi

THE Centre is yet to fill the post of Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha, which has been vacant for the last six years. Constitutional experts and Opposition parties say that it violates the Constitution, which guarantees an important place for the Deputy Speaker in the parliamentary system.

While the government did not appoint Deputy Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha, Opposition members point out that there is a lack of intent on the government's part to fill the vacancy in the 18th Lok Sabha, which will complete a year in June.