VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

10.09.2025

VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

Context
 Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected the 17th Vice-President of India by a margin of 152 votes. About 98.2% of the total electorate, consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, participated in the election. The Opposition fell short of its expected tally.

Vice President of India

The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India after the President. The position plays a key role in legislative functioning and governance.

Key Roles:

• Serves as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), presiding over its sessions.
   
• Maintains order, decorum, and decides points of order in the House.
   
• Acts as President in case of resignation, death, removal, or inability of the President to discharge duties.
   

Election Process:

• Elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through proportional representation with a single transferable vote.
   
• Members of State Legislative Assemblies do not participate in this election.
   

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of India.
   
• Must be 35 years or older.
   
• Should be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership.
   
• Cannot hold any office of profit under the central, state, or local governments.
   

Procedure for  Removal of Vice-President

• The Vice President’s powers are derived from Article 63 of the Constitution, while Article 64 establishes the ex-officio role as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
   
• Article 67 outlines the removal procedure:
   
  • Can resign by submitting a resignation to the President.
     
  • Can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority in the Rajya Sabha, followed by approval in the Lok Sabha.
     
  • A 14-day prior notice is required before moving such a resolution.
     

No-Confidence Motion Context:

• Improbable during short parliamentary sessions (e.g., Winter Session ending Dec 20).
   
• Historical precedent: In 2020, a motion against the Deputy Chairperson was rejected due to inadequate notice.
   
• Even if moved, opposition lacks sufficient numbers to pass such motions.
   
• Constitutional resolution does not lapse with prorogation; it can be taken up in the next session.
   

Vice President’s Role in Motion Proceedings

• The Vice President cannot preside over a motion concerning their own removal.
   
• In such cases, the Deputy Chairperson presides.
   
• If the Deputy Chairperson is unavailable, another member designated under Rajya Sabha rules may preside.
   
• Ensures impartiality and fairness in the process.
   

Constitutional Provisions of the Vice President

Eligibility Recap:

• Citizen of India
   
• Minimum 35 years old
   
• Eligible for Rajya Sabha membership
• Cannot hold any office of profit under the government