What are the powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament, holds significant powers and responsibilities:

1. Presiding Over Sessions:
   The Speaker presides over the meetings and sessions of the Lok Sabha, maintaining order and decorum during debates.

2. Decision on Points of Order:
   The Speaker has the authority to make decisions on points of order raised by Members of Parliament, ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules.

3. Casting Vote:
   In the case of a tie on any matter, the Speaker has the casting vote, which can be decisive in reaching a resolution.

4. Deciding Membership Issues:
   The Speaker decides on matters related to the disqualification of Members of Parliament based on defection or other grounds, in consultation with the Anti-Defection Tribunal.

5. Committee Appointments:
   The Speaker appoints members to various parliamentary committees, playing a crucial role in the functioning of these committees.

6. Representing Lok Sabha:
   The Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President of India and in external matters.

7. Summoning and Proroguing Sessions:
   The Speaker has the authority to summon and prorogue sessions of the Lok Sabha, contributing to the parliamentary calendar.

8. Maintaining Order:
   Ensuring order and discipline within the Lok Sabha, the Speaker can take disciplinary actions, including suspension of members for unruly behavior.

The Speaker's impartiality and commitment to upholding parliamentary norms are essential to their role in facilitating effective and democratic deliberations in the Lok Sabha.