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Part VI

Article 180

Power of the Deputy Speaker or other person to perform the duties of the office of, or to act as, Speaker

(1) While the office of Speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker or,
if the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the Assembly as the Governor may appoint for the purpose

(2) During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the Assembly the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent, such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the Assembly, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the Assembly, shall act as Speaker.

Version 1

Article 159, Draft Constitution of India 1948

(1) While the office of Speaker is vacant the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker, or if the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the Assembly as the Governor may appoint for the purpose.

(2) During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the Assembly, the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the Assembly, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the Assembly, shall act as Speaker.

Version 2

Article 180, Constitution of India 1950

(1) While the office of Speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker or, if the office of Deputy Speaker is also vacant, by such member of the Assembly as the Governor may appoint for the purpose.

⁠(2) During the absence of the Speaker from any sitting of the Assembly the Deputy Speaker or, if he is also absent, such person as may be determined by the rules of procedure of the Assembly, or, if no such person is present, such other person as may be determined by the Assembly, shall act as Speaker.

Summary

Draft Article 159 (Article 180) was debated on 2 June 1949. It provided for the Deputy Speaker or any other member to fill the Speaker’s role in their absence.

The Draft Article was adopted without debate on 2nd June 1949.