Previous Year Question
Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution provides that the Speaker shall have and exercise a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes?
Article 99
Article 103
Article 100
Article 102
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Article 100 is the correct answer. It provides that questions at a sitting of either House of Parliament or at a joint sitting are ordinarily decided by a majority of the members present and voting.
Normally, the Speaker does not vote in the first instance. However, when the votes on the two sides are equal, the Speaker has and exercises a casting vote to break the deadlock.
The options can be distinguished as follows—
Article 99 → Oath or affirmation by Members of Parliament
Article 100 → Voting, casting vote and quorum
Article 102 → Disqualifications for membership of Parliament
Article 103 → Decision on questions relating to disqualification of MPs
Another useful fact under Article 100 is that the quorum of either House is one-tenth of its total membership, unless Parliament otherwise provides by law.