The panel of Chairpersons of Lok Sabha • Under the Rules of Lok Sabha, the Speaker nominates from amongst the members a panel of not more than ten chairpersons. Hence statement a is incorrect. • Any of them can preside over the House in the absence of the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker. Hence statement b is Incorrect. • He has the same powers as the Speaker when so presiding. • He holds office until a new panel of chairpersons is nominated. • When a member of the panel of chairpersons is also not present, any other person as determined by House acts as the Speaker. Hence statement c is incorrect. Related Concepts: When the office of the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is vacant • It must be emphasized here that a member of the panel of chairpersons cannot preside over the House when the office of the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is vacant. • During such time, the Speaker’s duties are to be performed by such member of the House as the President may appoint for the purpose. • The elections are held, as soon as possible, to fill the vacant posts.