The Vice-President of India (Articles 63–71)
📊 High-Yield Data & Statistical Fact Sheet
- Constitutional Ambit: Vested in Articles 63 to 71; holds the second-highest office in the country.
- Double Capacities:
- Ex-Officio Chairman (Article 64): Acts as the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
- Acting President (Article 65): Discharges presidential functions during a vacancy (for a maximum period of 6 months).
- Electoral College (Article 66):
- Includes all members of Parliament (both Houses), bringing together both elected and nominated members (unlike the presidential election where nominated members are excluded).
- State Exclusion: States are entirely excluded from the Electoral College; state MLAs and MLCs cannot participate.
- Removal Procedure (Article 67(b)):
- Can only be initiated in the Rajya Sabha with a minimum of 14 days' notice.
- Must be passed by the Rajya Sabha by an Effective Majority (defined as a "majority of all the then members" of the House; total sanctioned strength minus active vacancies).
- Must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha by a Simple Majority (present and voting).
- The Constitution specifies no grounds for the removal of the Vice-President.
- 2025 Milestone: C.P. Radhakrishnan elected as the 15th Vice-President of India. First-ever resignation under Article 67(a) documented.
1. ELECTION AND QUALIFICATIONS
ELECTION AND QUALIFICATIONS
ELECTION AND QUALIFICATIONS
| Analyze key facts and concepts related to ELECTION AND QUALIFICATIONS. | The Vice-President is elected indirectly by proportional representation using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) via a secret ballot. - Key Electoral Rules: - The anti-defection law (party whips) does not apply to this election. - Voting is conducted in Parliament House using special pens supplied by the Election Commission of India (marking a first preference is compulsory). - All election disputes are decided exclusively by the Supreme Court, whose decision is final. - Qualifications:
|
2. FUNCTIONS AND SALARY DUALITY
FUNCTIONS AND SALARY DUALITY
FUNCTIONS AND SALARY DUALITY
| Analyze key facts and concepts related to FUNCTIONS AND SALARY DUALITY. | - Duality of Functions: - When presiding over the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President's powers are similar to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. - Key Limitations: The Vice-President cannot certify a bill as a Money Bill and cannot preside over a Joint Sitting of Parliament (which falls to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha). - When acting as President under Article 65, the Vice-President stops performing the duties of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and the Deputy Chairman takes over presiding duties. - Salary Duality: - The Constitution does not provide a salary for the Vice-President in that specific capacity. - The Vice-President draws a salary and allowances exclusively in the capacity of the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. - When acting as the President under Article 65, they receive the salary, allowances, and privileges of the President of India (and cease to draw the Rajya Sabha Chairman's salary). |
QUICK REVISION BOX
- Electoral College: All MPs (Elected + Nominated). MLAs and MLCs are excluded.
- Nomination Capi: 20 proposers and 20 seconders; ₹15,000 security deposit.
- Qualifications: Must be qualified for election to the Rajya Sabha (35+ years of age).
- Article 67(b) Removal: Initiated only in RS. Requires an Effective Majority in the Rajya Sabha plus a Simple Majority in the Lok Sabha. No grounds are listed in the Constitution.
- Salary Source: Paid as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, not as Vice-President.
- Presiding Limit: Cannot preside over Joint Sittings (Article 108) or certify Money Bills (Article 110).
- Acting President: Vested in Article 65; maximum duration is 6 months (elections for a new President must be held within this window).
- Disputes: Investigated and decided exclusively by the Supreme Court.
Notes updated up to March 2026. Sources: ECI VP Election Manual, Rajya Sabha Secretariat Rules.