Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements: 1. He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President. 2. He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election. 3. If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is B because only statement 3 is factually accurate according to the Constitution of India. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Speaker does not hold office during the pleasure of the President. The Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha and remains in office as long as he or she enjoys the confidence of the House. He or she can only be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Speaker must be a member of the Lok Sabha at the time of his or her election. Unlike Ministers, who have six months to become a member of Parliament, the Speaker is chosen by the House from amongst its existing members. If the Speaker ceases to be a member of the House, he or she must vacate the office. Statement 3 is correct because under Article 94 of the Constitution, the Speaker submits his or her resignation in writing addressed to the Deputy Speaker. Similarly, the Deputy Speaker addresses his or her resignation to the Speaker.