Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from the office of Vice President of India, citing health concerns. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar invoked Article 67(a) of the Constitution, expressing his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure. Dhankhar, who assumed the position in August 2022, was originally set to serve until 2027.
Constitutional Provisions and Procedures
- Article 67(a): This article of the Indian Constitution grants the Vice President the authority to resign from their position before the conclusion of their five-year term by submitting a written resignation to the President. The resignation becomes effective once accepted by the President.
- Article 66: This article dictates that the Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprised of members from both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). The election utilizes a system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote, conducted via secret ballot.
- Filling the Vacancy: The Constitution mandates that a vacancy in the office of the Vice President be filled as soon as possible. The Election Commission is responsible for initiating the election process to select a new Vice President.
What Happens Next?
- Election Commission Action: Following Dhankhar's resignation, the Election Commission will begin the process of organizing an election to fill the vacant position. A formal notification and timeline for the election are expected to be released shortly.
- Electoral College: The electoral college, consisting of all members of both Houses of Parliament, will be called upon to vote for the new Vice President.
- Rajya Sabha Chairmanship: With the Vice President's office vacant, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will assume the duties of the Chairman until a new Vice President is elected. The Vice President of India is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this capacity, their functions are similar to those of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The Chairman oversees the Rajya Sabha, regulates debates, maintains order, and communicates with the Lok Sabha.
Role of the Vice President
The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the country. Key functions include:
- Chairman of the Rajya Sabha: The Vice President presides over the Rajya Sabha, ensuring the smooth functioning of the legislative debates. They maintain order and decorum in the House, interpret rules, and allot time for debates.
- Acting President: The Vice President assumes the duties of the President in the event of the President's death, resignation, removal, or inability to discharge their functions. In such cases, the Vice President can act as President for a maximum period of six months, within which a new President must be elected.
- Other roles: The Vice President also acts as the chancellor of Panjab University and Delhi University.
Eligibility for Vice President
To be eligible for election as Vice President, a person must:
- Be a citizen of India
- Have completed 35 years of age
- Be qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha
- Not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government or any local authority
Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation has set in motion the constitutional mechanisms for electing a new Vice President and ensuring the continued functioning of the Rajya Sabha. The Election Commission is expected to act promptly to conduct the election, and the political landscape will likely see increased activity as parties nominate candidates for this important constitutional post.
