Jul 23, 2025
15
mins read
The Vice President of India is the deputy to the head of state of the Republic of India, which is the President.The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional official, ranking immediately after the President The VP is first in the line of succession. Although not a member of either House of Parliament, the VP must be qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha. As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the VP presides over the Upper House and ensures parliamentary business runs smoothly. The VP is also ceremonial Chancellor of the University of Delhi and Panjab University.
On 21st July, the 14th Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar submitted his letter of resignation to the President. He declared his intention "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice," with immediate effect, citing Article 67(a) of the Constitution. His decision to step down citing health concerns marks only the third instance in India's history where a Vice President has resigned mid-term, following V.V. Giri (1969) and R. Venkataraman (1987).
Table of content
Who elects the Vice President of India?
The VP of India is elected by an electoral college of all Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated MPs). State legislatures do not vote in this election. Voting is by secret ballot under proportional representation (single transferable vote). The Election Commission supervises the process, and a Returning Officer (usually the Secretary-General of one House) conducts the poll. Each MP ranks the candidates by preference. Votes are then counted using the transferable vote system until one candidate secures the winning quota.
Important points about the election:
Nomination: A candidate needs at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders from among the MPs, and must deposit ₹15,000 as security.
Voting and counting: MPs cast ranked votes. If no candidate meets the quota on the first count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred, repeating until someone surpasses the quota.The VP of India is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
Disputes: All election disputes are decided by the Supreme Court of India, whose decision is final. Challenges must be filed as a petition to the Supreme Court (with a five-judge bench and a ₹20,000 deposit).
Result: After counting, the Returning Officer declares the result, reports it to the President and Election Commission, and the new Vice President’s name is published in the Official Gazette.
The VP is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.This indirect election by Parliament ensures the VP is chosen by India’s representatives.
The Indian Constitution defines the Vice President’s office in Articles 63–71. Key articles include:
Articles | Description |
Article 63 | Establishes the office: “There shall be a Vice-President of India”. |
Article 64 | The Vice President shall be ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and shall not hold any other office of profit. |
Article 65 | The VP acts as President in case of a vacancy (death, resignation, removal of the President) until a new President is elected; also discharges the President’s duties during the President’s absence. |
Article 66 | Election rules: VP is elected by MPs of both Houses by proportional representation (single transferable vote, secret ballot). Eligibility: Citizen of India, ≥35 years old, qualified for Rajya Sabha; no office of profit. |
Article 67 | Term: Five years from assumption. (a) Can resign by letter to the President. (b) Can be removed by Rajya Sabha resolution (majority of all members) with Lok Sabha approval, after at least 14 days’ notice. (c) Continues in office until a successor assumes charge. |
Article 68 | Vacancy election: If the VP’s term is expiring, the next election must occur before term-end. If a mid-term vacancy occurs (death, resignation, removal), a fresh election is held as soon as possible and the new VP serves a full five-year term. |
Article 69 | Oath: Must swear (or affirm) before the President (or appointee) to uphold the Constitution and faithfully discharge duties |
Article 70 | Parliament may legislate the President’s duties in any unforeseen contingencies. |
Article 71 | All election disputes for President or VP are to be settled by the Supreme Court (final). |
These articles outline the role, election, term, and duties of the Vice President.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was First Vice President of India, took oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 13, 1952
Name | Term Start | Term End | |
1 | Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan(India’s 1st Vice President) | 13 May 1952 | 12 May 1962 |
2 | Zakir Hussain | 13 May 1962 | 12 May 1967 |
3 | V. V. Giri | 13 May 1967 | 3 May 1969 |
4 | Gopal Swarup Pathak | 31 Aug 1969 | 30 Aug 1974 |
5 | B. D. Jatti | 31 Aug 1974 | 30 Aug 1979 |
6 | Mohammad Hidayatullah | 31 Aug 1979 | 30 Aug 1984 |
7 | R. Venkataraman | 31 Aug 1984 | 24 Jul 1987 |
8 | Shankar Dayal Sharma | 3 Sep 1987 | 24 Jul 1992 |
9 | K. R. Narayanan | 21 Aug 1992 | 24 Jul 1997 |
10 | Krishan Kant | 21 Aug 1997 | 27 Jul 2002 |
11 | Bhairon Singh Shekhawat | 19 Aug 2002 | 21 Jul 2007 |
12 | Mohammad Hamid Ansari | 11 Aug 2007 | 10 Aug 2017 |
13 | M. Venkaiah Naidu | 11 Aug 2017 | 10 Aug 2022 |
14 | Jagdeep Dhankhar | 11 Aug 2022 | 21 Jul 2025 |
The Vice President’s term is five years from assuming office.The VP holds office for a term of five years but may be re-elected any number of times, until a successor takes charge
The office can become vacant by:
Resignation: The VP may resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the President, and the resignation becomes effective upon acceptance.
Death: Incumbent’s death.
Removal: By parliamentary resolution (see below).
Void election: If the Supreme Court annuls the election.
The election for the VP occurs as soon as possible after a vacancy due to death, resignation, or removal occurs.
If the Vice President’s seat is vacant, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha performs the Chairman’s duties.
Under Article 67(b), the Vice President can be removed by a parliamentary resolution.
Rajya Sabha must pass a removal resolution by an effective majority of all members, with at least 14 days’ notice
Lok Sabha must then agree. In practice, this process makes removal extremely difficult.
No, unlike the President of India who can be impeached formally; there is no formal impeachment for the VP. Rajya Sabha simply can pass a resolution with a majority and Lok Sabha can pass it. Also, unlike the President of India who can be impeached on the ground of ‘Violation of Constitution,’ there is no ground mentioned in the constitution for the removal of the Vice President of India.
Note: Supreme Court decides election disputes related to the office of Vice President.
Chairman of Rajya Sabha: Presides over sessions, can adjourn for lack of quorum, and maintains order.
Anti-defection: Decides disqualification of RS members under the Tenth Schedule.
Committees: Chairs and appoints members to key parliamentary committees (Rules, Business Advisory, etc.).
Acting President: Exercises the President’s powers when that office is vacant or the President is unable to act.
Final arbiter: The Chairman’s interpretations of the Constitution and Rajya Sabha rules are final.
In an unexpected move, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th VP of India, resigned from his post in July 2025, triggering widespread political and constitutional discussions across the government and civil society. While the official statement cited personal and health reasons, some opposition voices hinted that there might be deeper political tensions behind the exit of the outgoing vice president.
Why Is This Resignation Significant?
The resignation led to a vacancy in the office of Vice President, which is second only to the President in India’s constitutional hierarchy. The Constitution mandates that when such an event occurs, a fresh election must be held as soon as possible. The vice president is elected through a well-defined election process governed by the law established under Article 66.
Procedure After the Resignation
As per standard procedure, the Election Commission issues a public notice, inviting nomination of candidates. Nomination papers must be filed with the Secretary General of either House of Parliament, who acts as the Returning Officer for the election. The candidates must also submit a ₹15,000 security deposit.
The electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament - including nominated members but excluding state legislative assemblies - votes in the election. Voting follows the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and secret ballot. Electors can mark as many preferences on the ballot as they wish, with a minimum of a first preference and optional second preference or more.
Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), where the Vice President is sworn in. The VP ensures continuity and stability in India’s governance. By chairing the Rajya Sabha, the VP helps ensure legislative business proceeds in an orderly, impartial manner. As a constitutional link between the legislature and the Presidency, the VP safeguards democratic processes. The Vice President’s oath (taken at Rashtrapati Bhavan) underscores the high constitutional duty of the office.
Balancing political neutrality
The Vice President, elected by MPs from both Houses and retaining party affiliations, often faces allegations of partisanship-particularly when presiding over Rajya Sabha sessions. Such perceptions can erode trust in parliamentary neutrality and decorum
Conflict of interest in dual roles
As both a political figure and the Rajya Sabha Chairman (Article 64), the Vice President must separate legislative oversight from partisan loyalties—an intensifying challenge during heated political standoffs, as seen in recent tensions surrounding procedural fairness and alleged government pressure
Succession gaps and procedural vacuums
The Constitution lacks a clear succession roadmap if the Vice President ascends to President or resigns—they are temporarily replaced only by the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, risking ambiguity in continuity and authority until a new Vice President is elected.
Lack of removal clarity
Removal requires a resolution by a simple majority in both Houses (Art. 67), but no specific grounds are defined. This creates procedural uncertainty, deterring accountability and undermining institutional integrity.
Clarify constitutional provisions
Amend Articles 63–67 to define clear rules for succession, acting capacity, and vacancy-filling mechanisms—similar to the U.S. 25th Amendment.
What is the term of the Vice President of India?
Five years from taking office (continues until successor takes over).How is the Vice President of India elected?
By an electoral college of all MPs (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha) via a secret ballot (proportional representation).Who presides over the Rajya Sabha if the Vice President is absent?
The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.How can the Vice President be removed?
By a parliamentary resolution: Rajya Sabha must pass a removal motion (effective majority) with 14 days’ notice, and Lok Sabha must agree.Can the Vice President act as President?
Yes. The VP acts as President (with full powers) if the President’s office is vacant or if the President is unable to act.
The Vice President of India is a critical constitutional office, acting as the second-highest authority and the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Elected by Parliament and governed by Articles 63–71, the VP serves a five-year term. This office ensures continuity of governance: as acting President, the VP bridges any gap in the executive, and as Rajya Sabha Chairman it safeguards the legislative process. In all, the Vice President remains a key guardian of India’s constitutional framework, ensuring the continuity of governance and parliamentary oversight.
Internal Linking Suggestions
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External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Standard Books for UPSC:https://ncert.nic.in
