VICE-PRESIDENT OF INDIA

CURRENT CONTEXT: The resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in 2025 has renewed focus on the election process and constitutional provisions regarding the post.

ELECTION PROCESS:

• Elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of member elected and nominated of both Houses of Parliament.
• Voting is by secret ballot through the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
• Candidate must secure a quota = (Total valid votes ÷ 2) + 1.

 ELIGIBILITY & TENURE:

• Must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, and qualified for Rajya Sabha
• Must not hold any office of profit.
• Term is 5 years, but the Vice-President continues in office until a successor is elected.
• Re-election is permitted.

 NOTABLE RESIGNATIONS:

• Jagdeep Dhankhar (2025) resigned to contest the Presidential election.
• V. Giri (1969) and R. Venkataraman (1987) also resigned mid-term for the same reason.

 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS:

• Article 63 – Provides for a Vice-President
• Article 64 – Vice-President is ex-officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha
• Article 65 – Acts as President during vacancies or absence
• Article 66 – Election procedure
• Article 67 – Term and conditions of office