Context
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, citing health concerns and medical advice. His resignation took effect with immediate effect.
· Unlike the President’s post (which must be filled within 6 months under Article 62), the Constitution does not prescribe a fixed timeframe for filling a Vice-Presidential vacancy.
· However, the Election Commission is expected to conduct elections “as soon as possible”, as per the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. There is no provision for an acting Vice-President in the Constitution.
· However, since the Vice-President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, this specific duty is taken over by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha — currently Harivansh Narayan Singh — until a new Vice-President is elected.
· Other ceremonial or constitutional functions of the Vice-President remain in abeyance unless specifically provided for.
About Vice-President of India:
Article 63 of the Constitution of India provides that there shall be a Vice-President of India. Articles 64 and 89 (1) provide that the Vice-President of India shall be ex- officio Chairman of the Council of States i.e., Rajya Sabha and shall not hold any other office of profit.
The Vice-President of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Unlike the President’s election, state legislatures do not participate in this election.
Voting is conducted via:
· Proportional Representation using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
· Secret ballot voting at the Parliament House, New Delhi.
Each MP ranks candidates in order of preference. To win, a candidate must secure a quota calculated as:
(Total valid votes ÷ 2) + 1
Votes are transferred based on preferences if no candidate meets the quota in the first round.
Role and Importance of the Vice President of India:
Constitutional Authority
· Second-Highest Authority: The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India, after the President.
· Ex-Officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha: The Vice President acts as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings in the Upper House.
Responsibilities
· Rajya Sabha Proceedings: The Vice President ensures the smooth conduct of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, maintaining order and decorum in the House.
· Presidential Responsibilities: In the event of the President's death, resignation, removal, or inability to perform duties, the Vice President temporarily assumes presidential responsibilities until a new President is elected.
