What is Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution invoked by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar?

📰 In News (Updated: July 22, 2025, 02:25 PM IST)

As per Article 67 of the Constitution, the Vice-President of India holds office for 5 years from the date of entering office. However, the post can be vacated earlier due to resignation, removal, or death.

• Article 67(a) allows for resignation by writing under his/her hand to the President of India.
• After resignation:
  • The office becomes vacant.
  • Rajya Sabha, where the VP acts as ex-officio Chairman, is presided over temporarily by the Deputy Chairman.
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) initiates the election process to fill the vacancy as per the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.

🏛️ Vice-President of India – Constitutional Framework

📜 Article 63:

“There shall be a Vice-President of India.”

⚙️ Election of Vice-President (Article 66)

• Not directly elected by citizens.
• Elected by an Electoral Collegeconsisting of:
  • Both elected and nominated members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • State Legislative Assembly members are excluded.

✅ Election Method:

• Proportional representation by means of Single Transferable Vote (STV).
• Secret ballot system.

⚖️ Disputes & Validity:

• All doubts and disputes are resolved by the Supreme Court, and its decision is final.
• If the election is declared void, all acts done by the Vice-President prior to that remain valid.

🧾 Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Minimum age: 35 years.
• Must qualify for election to the Rajya Sabha.

🗳️ Nomination Requirement

• Must be nominated by 20 electors and seconded by another 20 electors from Parliament.

🏛️ Oath of Office (Article 69)

• Administered by the President or any person appointed by him.

⌛ Term of Office (Article 67)

• 5-year term from the date of entering office.
• Office can fall vacant through resignation (Article 67a), removal, or death.
• If the term is nearing expiry, election must be held before the end of tenure.

❌ Removal Process

• No impeachment process required.
• Can be removed by a resolution passed by:
  • Rajya Sabha: Effective Majority (i.e., majority of total membership minus vacancies).
  • Lok Sabha: Simple Majority.
• Only Rajya Sabha can introduce the resolution.
• Minimum 14 days' prior notice is mandatory before moving the resolution.

👤 Powers & Functions (Article 64)

• Acts as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Does not vote in regular proceedings, but can cast a deciding vote in case of a tie.

🔖 Additional Note:

• In case of vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President discharges the functions of the President (Article 65), but does not assume the full office and does not enjoy executive powers.