New Delhi: In a sudden turn of events, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has tendered his resignation, necessitating an urgent election to fill the vacant constitutional post. The move has set in motion constitutional provisions under Article 68(2), which mandate that any vacancy in the office of the Vice-President, irrespective of the cause, must be filled “as soon as possible.”
The individual elected to the position will serve a full five-year term from the day they assume office, regardless of the unexpired period of the previous incumbent. While the Constitution remains silent on who performs the full duties of the Vice-President in such a scenario, particularly concerning the Vice-President’s role as the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, it is understood that the responsibilities during this interim period will be discharged by the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha or any other member authorised by the President of India.
The Vice-President, who also serves as the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and holds no other office of profit, typically serves a five-year term and can continue in office beyond the expiry of their tenure until a successor takes charge. The resignation process, as clearly outlined in the Constitution, requires the Vice-President to formally submit their resignation to the President of India, and it becomes effective only upon acceptance. Official confirmation of the acceptance in this specific instance is awaited.
The election for the Vice-President is conducted by an Electoral College comprising members from both Houses of Parliament. The process involves a system of proportional representation using a single transferable vote. To be eligible for the esteemed office, a candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years of age, and qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Critically, individuals holding any office of profit under the central or state government or a local authority are not eligible to contest.
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