The speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly is the presiding officer of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the main law-making body for the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is generally elected on the second day of the first session following general elections. The speaker does not enjoy a security of tenure and his term is subjected to the pleasure of the house i.e. can be removed anytime by a resolution of the Legislative Assembly by a majority of the all the then members of the house.[1]B. V. Subba Reddy, the longest-serving Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, held the position for 9 years and 195 days. Notably, he was unanimously elected as Speaker twice, in 1962 and 1967, serving in both the Third and Fourth Assemblies.
In the Republic of India, the various central and state legislatures are presided by either a speaker or a chairman. The speaker is elected in the very first meeting of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly after the General elections for a term of 5 years from amongst the members of the Saasana Sabha. The speaker holds office until either they ceases to be a member of the Saasana Sabha or he himself resigns. The speaker can be removed from office by a resolution passed in the Saasana Sabha by an effective majority of its members.[2] In the absence of a Speaker, the meeting of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly is presided over by the deputy speaker.[3]
Election of the speaker
Newly elected Members of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elect the Speaker among themselves. After the general elections, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh notifies the first meeting of the Lok Sabha as well as the date for the election of the Speaker.
If only one nomination is received for the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the candidate is elected without any formal vote. However, if more than one nomination is received, a vote (division) is conducted to determine the Speaker, with the successful candidate being elected to the position.
Powers and functions of the speaker
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly conducts the business in house, and decides whether a bill is a money bill or not. They maintain discipline and decorum in the house and can punish a member for unruly behaviour with respect to law after suspending them. They also permit the moving of various kinds of motions and resolutions such as a motion of no confidence, motion of adjournment, motion of censure and calling attention notice as per the rules. The Speaker decides on the agenda to be taken up for discussion during the meeting. Further, all comments and speeches made by members of the House are addressed to the Speaker. The Speaker also presides over the joint sitting of both houses of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature. The Speaker is answerable to the House. Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by the majority of the members.
All bills passed requires the speaker's signature to go to the Legislative Council for its consideration. The Speaker also has a casting vote in the event of a tie. It is customary for the Presiding Officer to exercise the casting vote in such a manner as to maintain the status quo.
Removal of the speaker
Speaker can be removed by the Legislative Assembly by a resolution passed by the majority of all the then members of the house as per Constitution of India [Articles 179].[4]
After a general election and the formation of a new government, a list of senior Members in Vidhan Sabha prepared by the Legislative Section is submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who selects a pro tem speaker who holds the office of Speaker until a full time speaker is elected. The appointment has to be approved by the Governor.[6]
The first meeting after the election when the speaker and the deputy speaker are selected by members of the Vidhan Sabha is held under the pro tem Speaker. In the absence of the speaker, the deputy speaker acts as speaker. In the absence of both, a committee of sixmembers selected by the speaker will act as speaker according to their seniority.
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