Why in the news?

  • C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the new Vice President of India.

Vice President Election in India

  • Constitutional Provision:
    • Article 63 to 71 of the Indian Constitution deals with various provisions regarding the post of Vice President of India.
    • Article 66 to 68 deals with the election of Vice President, Term of Office and Time of holding such elections.
  • Electoral College:
    • Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
    • Both elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha are part of the electoral college.
    • Members of the state legislative assemblies are not part of the electoral college.
  • System of Voting:
    • Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote (PR STV).
    • Secret Ballot mode of election.
    • The party whip is not applicable in this election process.
  • Agency: The election is being conducted by the Election Commission of India.
  • Instances of Vice President Election:
    • Expiry of term of the present Vice President: Article 68(1)
      • In such instances, election shall be completed before the expiry of the term (5 years) of the current president.
    • Death, Resignation or Removal of the existing Vice President: Article 68(2)
      • In such instances, elections shall be held as soon as possible after the occurrence of the vacancy.

Vice President of India

  • Constitutional Provisions:
    • Dealt with in Article 63 to 71 of the Indian Constitution.
    • Ex-Officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
  • Qualifications:
    • Must be a citizen of India.
    • Must have attained the age of 35 years.
    • Must be qualified for election as a member of Rajya Sabha.
    • Must not hold any office of profit.
  • Oath and Affirmation:
    • Oath of Vice President is given in the Article 69 of the Indian Constitution.
    • The President of India administers the oath.
  • Term and Removal:
    • Term: 5 years and is eligible for re-election.
    • Resignation: By writing to the President.
    • Removal:
      • By a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha- Article 67(b).
      • No formal impeachment like the President.
  • Functions & Powers:
    • As Vice President:
      • Successor to the President in case of vacancy, death, resignation, or removal (Article 65).
      • Discharges the President’s functions when the President is unable to perform duties.
    • As Chairman of Rajya Sabha:
      • Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions.
      • Maintains order, decides on points of order.
      • Casts a deciding vote in case of tie.
      • Cannot vote in first instance.
      • Appoints members to various committees of Rajya Sabha.