Question

Which of the following statements regarding the ‘casting vote’ in the Parliament is/are correct ?

1. It is cast by the speaker or a person acting as such.

2. It is cast in addition to voting in the first instance.

3. It is cast in the case of equality of votes.

4. It is always cast to maintain the status quo.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1,2 and 3 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 4 only
4. 3 only

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 1 and 3 only

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

• Resolutions, Motions and Bills(Legislations) in the Parliament of India are passed by procedure of voting.
• Casting vote is the vote exercised by the speaker of lok sabha or the Chairman of the Rajyasabha.
• Generally by voice votes where speaker of the house of Chairman of the house as the case may be will listen to a number of Ayes meaning yes and Noes meaning no and decides according to majority votes.
• If a member is not happy with a voice vote, it can be challenged and a division can be asked for.
• The procedure for division entails the Speaker to announce for the lobbies of Parliament to be cleared.
• Then the division bell rings continuously for three and a half minutes and so do many connected bells all through Parliament House and Parliament House Annexe.
• MPs come from all sides into the chamber and the doors are closed. The votes are recorded by the Automatic Vote Recording Equipment.

•  In an extraordinary case where the votes are tied for example, if 100 members are voting and there are 50Ayes and 50Noes.
• Speaker or the Chairman gets the chance to Vote, and this deciding vote is called Casting Vote.