Why in the News?

As many as 50 Opposition MPs, sources said, have signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution.

The Article states that the Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an effective majority and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Vice President (Responsibilities, Election, Qualification, Term, etc.)

Vice President of India:

• The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country, following the President of India.
• Established under Article 63 of the Constitution, the office of the Vice President plays a crucial role in the legislative and executive branches of the Indian government.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
    • The primary responsibility of the Vice President is to serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the upper house of Parliament.
    • In this capacity, the Vice President presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring that debates and discussions are conducted smoothly and in accordance with the rules of procedure.
  • Acting President:
    • In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, or if the President is unable to perform their duties due to absence, illness, or any other reason, the Vice President serves as the Acting President until a new President is elected or the President resumes office.
  • Succession:
    • The Vice President is next in line to succeed the President in case of death, resignation, or removal of the President.
    • However, the Vice President does not automatically assume the role of the President; rather, the position is temporary until a new election is conducted.
• Election Process:
• The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
• The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India.
• Qualifications:
  • To be eligible for the office of Vice President, a candidate must be:
    • A citizen of India.
    • At least 35 years of age.
    • Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
• Term of Office & Removal:
  • The Vice President serves a five-year term but can be re-elected for subsequent terms.
  • The Vice President may resign from office by submitting a resignation to the President.
  • Under Article 67(B) of the Constitution, the Vice President can also be removed by a resolution passed by a majority in the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
  • The Article states that the Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an effective majority and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority.
  • It explicitly says that for moving this resolution “at least fourteen days’ notice” has to be given.