Jagdeep Dhankhar to vacate official residence immediately? PIB debunks claims

Dhankhar resigned with immediate effect on Monday, citing health grounds

The Press Information Bureau's fact-checking unit has debunked some social media posts claiming that former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar's official residence has been sealed.

As speculations over the circumstances surrounding the surprise resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar refuse to die down, a section of the media on Wednesday reported that his official residence has been sealed and he was asked to vacate the building immediately.

"It is being widely claimed on social media that the Vice President's official residence has been sealed, and the former VP has been asked to vacate his residence immediately. These claims are Fake,” it said.

It is being widely claimed on social media that Vice President’s official residence has been sealed and former VP has been asked to vacate his residence immediately #PIBFactCheck

❌ These claims are #Fake.

✅ Don’t fall for misinformation. Always verify news from official… pic.twitter.com/3jIDDaiu7A

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 23, 2025

The PIB further urged people not to fall prey to misinformation and always verify news from official sources.

Earlier, media reports claimed that Dhankhar had started packing his belongings and planned to soon move out of the Vice President's Enclave.

Dhankhar moved to this newly-constructed building on Church Road near the Parliament House complex in April last year.

As a former vice president, he can now move to a government bungalow. An Urban Development Ministry official told The Week that he will be offered a Type VIII bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi or another area. The Type VIII bungalow is usually allotted to senior Union ministers or presidents of national parties.

The Election Commission on Wednesday said it has begun the process of holding the vice presidential election, two days after Jagdeep Dhankhar's surprise resignation from the post.

The poll authority said it has started constituting the electoral college comprising MPs of both Houses of Parliament. Both elected and nominated members are eligible to vote in the vice presidential election. It is also finalising the returning officer and assistant returning officers.

"On completion of the preparatory activities, the announcement of the election schedule to the office of the Vice President of India will follow as soon as possible," the EC said. Dhankhar stepped down as vice president on Monday, citing health reasons. His term was to end on August 10, 2027.

The Union home ministry on Tuesday formally notified the resignation of Dhankhar from the office of the vice president. According to Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the vice president occurring due to his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise, will be held "as soon as possible" after it goes vacant.

The person elected to fill the vacancy will be entitled to hold office "for the full term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office". From the day the notification is issued, "calling the electoral college to vote", and till the day of the poll, a period of 30 days is stipulated.

A person cannot be elected as the vice president unless he is a citizen of India, has completed 35 years of age and is qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. A person is also not eligible if he holds any office of profit under the government of India or a state government or any subordinate local authority.

The ruling NDA has a comfortable edge in the vice presidential elections. The vice president is elected by the members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, where nominated members of the Upper House are also eligible to cast their vote.