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Resolution for Removal of Indian Vice-President
Context:
Opposition parties in the INDIA bloc are considering submitting a notice for a removal resolution against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing concerns over his conduct as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Historical Precedents:
- No impeachment or no-confidence resolution has ever been moved against the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
- In 2020, 12 Opposition parties did attempt to move a no-confidence resolution against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh after a dispute in the House.
- However, then Chairman Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notice, citing the need for a 14-day notice and issues with the resolution’s format.
About Vice President :
- The Vice-President holds the second highest office in the country and is ranked immediately after the President in the official warrant of precedence. This position is modelled on the American Vice-Presidency.
- There is no provision for the reappointment of the Vice President. However, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and Dr. Hamid Ansari are the only Vice Presidents who have served more than one term.
Election of the Vice-President:
- The Vice-President, like the President, is elected indirectly rather than directly by the public. The election is conducted by an electoral college consisting of members from both Houses of Parliament. This electoral college differs from the one used for the President in two key ways:
- It includes both elected and nominated members of Parliament, whereas the President’s electoral college only includes elected members.
- It does not include members of the state legislative assemblies, unlike the President’s electoral college, which includes elected members from Term and Vacancy.
Term of Office:
- The Vice-President serves a five-year term starting from the date they assume office.
- They can resign at any time by submitting a resignation letter to the President.
Removal from office can occur before the term ends without the need for formal impeachment.
- To remove the Vice President, a resolution must be passed by a majority of the Rajya Sabha (effective majority), and then by the effective majority of the Lok Sabha, according to Article 67(b).
- The resolution requires a 14-day notice, similar to the impeachment process of the President under Article 61.
- The resolution for removal can only be initiated in the Rajya Sabha, unlike the impeachment of the President which can be initiated in either house of Parliament.
- There is no requirement for a one-fourth member endorsement in the Rajya Sabha as required for the President’s impeachment under Article 61(2)(a).
