Etymology:
- Pro tempore, abbreviated Protem, is a Latin phrase which means “for the time being” in English.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 94(2) of the constitution of India states that the office of the Speaker becomes vacant immediately before the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha.
- Article 95(1) states that while the office of Speaker and deputy speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by such member of the House of the People as the President may appoint for the purpose.
Similar provisions exist for the State Legislative Assembly under Article 183 (2) and Article 184 (1) of the Constitution.
About Speaker Protem:
- A “Speaker Protem” is appointed to perform the duties of the Speaker from the commencement of first sitting of newly constituted Lok Sabha till the election of a new Speaker.
- Who is appointed? By tradition the most senior most Member of Lok Sabha (i.e. having the most experience) is appointed.
- Who appoints him/her?
- The President himself/herself administers the oath to him/her.
- In the case of state legislative assembly, Governor of the State performs this task.
- Powers and Functions: He/she has all the powers of the speaker, but the main duties are:
- Administering the oath of newly elected members and
- Presiding over the election of new Lok Sabha speaker.
- Duration of his/her term:
- When the new speaker is elected by the house, the office of the speaker pro tem ceases to exist.
- Hence, this office is temporary office, existing for a few days.
