Vice President of India

• Context (IE): A no-confidence motion has been submitted against the Rajya Sabha (RS) Chairman (Vice-President), marking the first such action in the history of the Indian Parliament.

About Vice-President of India

• The office of the Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional office after the President. It ranks second in the order of precedence and first in the line of succession to the presidency.
• The VP is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this capacity, his powers and functions are similar to those of Loksabha’s speaker.
• The VP of India is elected by an electoral college of members from both Houses of Parliament. This election uses a proportional representation system through a single transferable vote.
• It serves a term of five years and is eligible for re-election.
• The VP may resign by submitting his resignation to the President of India.
• If the President is unable to discharge their duties due to absence, illness, or any other cause, the Vice-President assumes the role of Acting President.
  • This arrangement continues until a new President is elected, which must occur within six months if the vacancy arises due to the President’s death, resignation, or removal.
  • During this period, the VP ceases to perform the functions of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Must be at least 35 years old.
  • Must be eligible to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Not hold any office of profit under the union or any state government or any local or public authority.

Role of the Rajya Sabha Chairman

• The Chairman’s role involves presiding over the House and ensuring order in its proceedings.
• In the case of a tie during voting on a particular issue, the Chairman exercises a casting vote. This vote is deciding the outcome when the votes are equally divided.

Constitutional Framework for Removal of Vice President

• Article 67(b): This article outlines the framework for removing the Vice-President from office.
• Grounds for Removal: The Constitution does not specify any particular grounds for the removal of the Rajya Sabha Chairman. The decision is left to the discretion of the members of Parliament.
• 14-Day Notice: A mandatory 14-day notice period is required before moving a resolution to remove the Chairman.
• Intention and Reasons: The notice must clearly state the parliamentarian’s intention to move the resolution and outline the reasons for it.
• Voting for the Resolution: A resolution must be passed in Rajya Sabha by an effective majority (i.e., a majority of all the then members of the house) & also agreed upon by the Lok Sabha to effect removal.

Note: Effective Majority in India is only a type of special majority.