The Speaker is the presiding officer and highest authority of the Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament. Members elect the Speaker, usually at the first sitting after a general election; until then a Pro tem Speaker appointed by the President presides. The Speaker keeps order, decides whether a bill is a money bill, presides over joint sittings of both Houses, and votes only to break a tie.
Key facts
- Elected by Lok Sabha members; contested elections took place in 1952, 1967, 1976 and 2024.
- Decides money bills, presides over joint sittings, has a casting vote in a tie; ranks sixth in the order of precedence.
- Removable by a resolution passed by a majority of all members; a Pro tem Speaker presides until the election.
- Om Birla has been Speaker since 19 June 2019; Balram Jakhar had the longest tenure (9 years 329 days). (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask about it
The first Speaker, the first woman Speaker, the casting vote and money bill powers are the usual questions.