The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 29th April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 ​Not strong enough

Why in News?

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the UN Security Council. However, the UNSC statement on April 25, 2025, while expressing condolences, fell short in addressing key concerns, particularly by omitting references to The Resistance Front (TRF) and its links to LeT. This response highlights ongoing challenges in the fight against terrorism, especially within the context of international diplomacy and bilateral relations. 

UN Security Council Statement on Pahalgam Terrorist Attack (April 25, 2025)

• Condemnation: The UN Security Council (UNSC) strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. 
• Condolences: Condolences were expressed to India and Nepal, the latter having lost one citizen in the attack. 
• Inclusion of Pakistan: Pakistan, as an elected non-permanent member of the UNSC, was included in the statement. 

Key Points from the UNSC Statement:

•  Reaffirmation of the threat posed by terrorism to international peace and security. 
•  Emphasis on the need to bring perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. 

Inadequacies Noted:

• Lack of Specificity: The statement did not mention The Resistance Front (TRF), the group that claimed responsibility for the attack. 
• Omission of TRF’s Links: There was no reference to TRF’s connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the UNSC. 
• Absence of Calls for Cooperation: The statement did not specifically call for cooperation with India, which was a departure from previous instances. 
• Ignoring Communal Tensions: The statement did not address the terrorists' intent to target non-Muslims, a factor aimed at instigating communal tensions. 

Comparison with Past Statements:

•  The language used in the statement was perceived as "watered down." 
•  This change was attributed to Pakistan's membership in the Council during 2025-26 and China’s support, as China had previously vetoed critical statements against Pakistan. 

Negotiation:

•  The statement was negotiated by France’s envoy, the current President of the UNSC. 
•  There was limited support from other Council members, including the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. 

India's Response and Next Steps

• Counter-Terrorism Measures: India is engaged in ongoing discussions regarding counter-terror operations within Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Consideration of Military Options: There is a potential consideration of military options across the border to address the threat. 

Potential Actions:

•  India may present a stronger statement to the UN General Assembly, similar to those made in response to situations in Ukraine and Gaza. 
•  India could seek UNSC designation of identified terrorists and TRF, akin to the designation of Masood Azhar following the Pulwama attack. 
•  The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) might be utilized to advocate for increased action against Pakistan-based terror groups. 
• Bilateral Relations: Past attempts to secure Pakistani cooperation following incidents such as the Mumbai, Pathankot, and Pulwama attacks have been unsuccessful. 
•  Diplomatic engagement with Pakistan is currently deemed unlikely due to the strained nature of relations. 
• Multi-Pronged Approach: India may need to adopt a global strategy, similar to its approach in the extradition of Tahawwur Rana. 
•  Patience and sustained effort will be essential to bring perpetrators to justice and work towards a durable peace. 

Key Areas of Focus for India

Conclusion

 In conclusion, India faces significant challenges in addressing terrorism, especially with the UNSC’s diluted response. Moving forward, India must pursue a multi-pronged approach, leveraging international forums like the UN General Assembly and FATF, while addressing the lack of bilateral cooperation. Patience, diplomatic efforts, and global alliances will be crucial in securing justice and achieving lasting peace.

 The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional

Why in News?

The ongoing vacancy in the Deputy Speaker's office is not just a procedural oversight; it constitutes a violation of the Constitution and reflects a blatant disregard for the principles of consensus politics that underpin democratic governance.

Introduction

The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not just a ceremonial position; it is a constitutional necessity. Article 93 of the Constitution of India mandates this role, highlighting its importance for the smooth functioning of the lower House of Parliament. However, in recent times, the position of Deputy Speaker has been neglected, raising concerns about its significance and the adherence to constitutional provisions.

Deputy Speaker’s Office

• Article 93 of the Constitution emphasizes the urgency of electing a Deputy Speaker, indicating that it is a mandatory requirement for the functioning of the Lok Sabha.
• The Deputy Speaker plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuity, stability, and institutional balance of the House, as outlined in Article 94.

Historical Background

Role and Importance of the Deputy Speaker

• Speaker's Limitations: The Speaker cannot physically preside over every session for extended periods.
• Expert Observation: S.C. Kashyap notes that the Speaker cannot chair proceedings endlessly, highlighting the need for a Deputy Speaker.
• Deputy Speaker’s Core Role: The Deputy Speaker ensures the smooth functioning of the House during the Speaker’s absence.
• Expanded Responsibilities: The Deputy Speaker can chair major sessions, lead important committees, and handle sensitive debates requiring neutrality.
• Impartiality Requirement: Once elected, the Deputy Speaker must act impartially, regardless of political affiliations.
• Symbolic Significance: The office carries symbolic value in promoting bipartisan respect and cooperation among parties.
• Convention of Opposition Nominee: Traditionally, the Deputy Speaker’s post is offered to the Opposition, though it is not legally mandated.
• Strengthening Non-Partisan Ethos: This practice balances power, builds trust across parties, and upholds the neutrality of the House.

Vacancy of the Deputy Speaker’s Office

• Persistent Vacancy: The Deputy Speaker’s office remained vacant throughout the entire term of the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) and continues to be unfilled in the 18th Lok Sabha.
• Constitutional Anomaly: This vacancy is not merely procedural but a significant constitutional anomaly, as the position is mandated by the Constitution.
• Historical Precedent: There has never been such an extended vacancy for the Deputy Speaker’s post in India’s parliamentary history, making this situation unprecedented.
• Urgency of Appointment: While the Constitution does not specify a rigid timeline for the Deputy Speaker’s election, the phrase “as soon as may be” should be interpreted as a call for prompt action, not convenience.
• Concerns Raised: The prolonged delay raises serious questions about adherence to constitutional mandates and respect for parliamentary norms.

Impact of the Vacancy

• Institutional Safeguards: The vacancy undermines the institutional safeguards established by the Constitution, centralizing procedural power within the Speaker and the ruling party.
• Counterbalance Eliminated: The absence of a Deputy Speaker removes a crucial counterbalance, impacting the functioning of the House.
• Emergency Preparedness: In case of an emergency where the Speaker is unable to continue (due to resignation, death, or removal), the lack of a Deputy Speaker can lead to confusion and a leadership vacuum.
• Disregard for Parliamentary Conventions: The delay in appointing a Deputy Speaker reflects a disregard for parliamentary conventions, particularly the unwritten rule of offering the post to the Opposition.

Importance of the Deputy Speaker’s Role

• Constitutional Importance: The Deputy Speaker is essential for maintaining balance and stability in Parliament.
• Historically Symbolic: The role has historically symbolized inclusivity and moderation in the functioning of Parliament.
• Constitutional Mandate: The absence of a Deputy Speaker challenges the principles of constitutional democracy and legislative integrity.
• Redundancy in Leadership: The Deputy Speaker is a crucial position that ensures resilience and continuity in leadership during emergencies.

Sidelining Consensus Politics

• Active Sidelining: The failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker actively sidelines consensus politics, contradicting the constitutional ethos of collaborative governance.
• Need for Redundancy: The framers of the Constitution anticipated the need for redundancy in leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of having a Deputy Speaker.
• Restoring Institutional Credibility: Appointing a Deputy Speaker, preferably from the Opposition, would restore institutional credibility and honor democratic conventions.
• Balancing Legislative Proceedings:. Deputy Speaker from the Opposition would inject balance into legislative proceedings, fostering cooperation and reducing polarization.

Need for Legislative Reform

• Ongoing Vacuum: The prolonged vacancy raises the need for legislative reform to tighten the constitutional language regarding the election of the Deputy Speaker.
• Suggested Deadline: Implementing a specific deadline (e.g., within 60 days of the new Lok Sabha's first sitting) could prevent delays and ensure compliance.
• Alternative Approach:. statutory mechanism allowing the President to initiate the Deputy Speaker election process within a set timeframe could be considered.
• Current Ambiguity: The existing ambiguity in the process is unsustainable for a functioning democracy and needs to be addressed.
• Constitutional Importance: The Office of the Deputy Speaker is vital for upholding legislative integrity, continuity, and constitutional democracy.
• Violation of the Constitution: Disregarding the Deputy Speaker's office violates the Constitution and undermines the democratic balance it seeks to maintain.

Conclusion

It is crucial for Parliament to uphold constitutional principles and institutional integrity by appointing a Deputy Speaker promptly. This role is not merely a formality; it is a reflection of the House’s commitment to governing according to established rules. Failing to make this appointment undermines the very foundation of democratic governance and parliamentary functioning.