Vice-President of India Resigns: Key Details
On 22nd July 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice-President of India, tendered his resignation before completing his full term. He becomes the third Vice-President in India's history to resign, following V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman. The resignation was submitted in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution of India. This has created a vacancy in the office of the Vice-President, prompting the need for fresh elections.
Important Dates Related to Vice-President Elections
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Resignation of Vice-President | 22nd July 2025 |
| Notification for Election (Tentative) | To be announced |
| Date of Election (Tentative) | To be announced |
| Declaration of Results (Tentative) | To be announced |
Eligibility Criteria for Vice-President of India
As per the Constitution of India, the eligibility criteria for a candidate to contest for the office of the Vice-President are as follows:
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a citizen of India |
| Minimum Age | Must have completed 35 years of age |
| Rajya Sabha Qualification | Must be qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha |
| Office of Profit | Must not hold any office of profit under the Union government |
Electoral Process for the Vice-President
The Vice-President is elected through an indirect electoral process, as per Article 66 of the Constitution. The details of the process are outlined below:
- The election is conducted with proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and a secret ballot.
- The Electoral College for the election comprises both elected and nominated members of Parliament (excluding State Legislative Assemblies).
- A nomination must be supported by at least 20 electors as proposers and another 20 as seconders.
- Disputes related to the election are resolved by the Supreme Court under Article 71, and its decisions are final.
Term of Office and Provisions for Removal
The Vice-President holds office for a tenure of five years. However, they can resign before the end of the term or be removed under certain circumstances. The provisions for resignation and removal are detailed below:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Resignation | Can resign by submitting a resignation letter to the President |
| Removal | Can be removed through a resolution passed by a majority in the Rajya Sabha and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha. A 14-day prior notice is mandatory for such a resolution. |
If the office becomes vacant due to resignation, removal, death, or any other reason, elections will be held at the earliest. The newly elected Vice-President serves a full five-year term from the date of assuming office.
Functions of the Vice-President
- Acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 64).
- Discharges the duties of the President when the President's office is vacant due to resignation, impeachment, death, or other reasons (Article 65).
- In the absence of the President, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha takes over the Vice-President's functions as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
How to Apply for the Election of Vice-President
The election process is primarily for eligible political candidates. Below are the steps involved:
- Obtain the nomination form from the Election Commission of India.
- Ensure the nomination is supported by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders from the electoral college.
- Submit the nomination form along with any required documents and declaration forms as per the guidelines.
- Pay the security deposit amount (as mentioned in the election guidelines).
- Await the scrutiny of the nomination papers by the Returning Officer.
Key Highlights
- This resignation marks a rare occurrence, making Jagdeep Dhankhar the third Vice-President of India to resign before the completion of their tenure.
- Fresh elections for the office will be notified soon following constitutional provisions.
- The Vice-President's role is pivotal as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and as the acting President in the absence of a serving President.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutional article laid the foundation for the resignation of the Vice-President in India?
The resignation of the Vice-President of India was submitted in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution. This provision outlines the process for resignation, thereby constituting a constitutional basis for the Vice-President to step down from their role.
What are the eligibility criteria for a candidate wishing to contest for the office of the Vice-President of India?
To be eligible for the office of the Vice-President of India, a candidate must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years of age, qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, and must not hold any office of profit under the Union government. These criteria ensure that candidates possess the necessary qualifications and experience to fulfill the responsibilities of the office.
What is the process of electing the Vice-President of India as per the Constitution?
The Vice-President of India is elected through an indirect electoral process as specified in Article 66 of the Constitution, utilizing proportional representation by single transferable vote in a secret ballot. The Electoral College consists of both elected and nominated members of Parliament, and candidates must receive the support of at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders to be eligible for nomination.
What roles does the Vice-President of India serve in addition to their primary duties?
Apart from their primary role, the Vice-President acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and discharges the President's duties in instances where the President's office is vacant due to resignation, impeachment, or death. This dual role underscores the significance of the Vice-President in maintaining legislative proceedings as well as ensuring continuity of executive functions.
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