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.
- Expiry of term of the present Vice President: Article 68(1)
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.
- As Vice President: