Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as the Vice President of India on July 21 (Monday), citing health reasons. Earlier in the day, Dhankhar presided over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha on the first day of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament 2025. He said he received a letter for the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma and told the House that the Secretary General will take necessary steps in this direction.
His resignation not only vacates the Vice President’s office but also the post of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as the Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Upper House of the Parliament of India. Article 64 of the Constitution mentions the Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Article 63 says that the Vice President may resign his office by submitting his resignation to the President of India. The resignation becomes effective from the day it is accepted.
Also read: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns 'to prioritise health'
Constitutional provisions for vacancy
According to the Constitution of India, when the office of the Vice President becomes vacant, the duties of the Rajya Sabha Chairman do not remain unfulfilled. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is constitutionally empowered to step in and perform the functions of the Chairman temporarily, under Article 91 of the Constitution.
Currently, Harivansh holds the position of Deputy Chairman, having assumed office in August 2022. He will act as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha until a new Vice President is elected and takes office.
Election for new Vice-President
In case a vacancy arises by reasons of death, resignation or removal or otherwise, the election to fill that vacancy is held as soon as possible after the occurrence of the vacancy.
Under Article 68(2), an election to fill a vacancy in the office of Vice-President occurring by reason of his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise is to be held as soon as possible after the occurrence of the vacancy.
The person elected to fill the vacancy is subject to the provisions of Article 67 and is entitled to hold office for the full term of five years from the date on which he/she enters upon the office.
The election is conducted by an electoral college consisting of members from both Houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including nominated members.
The voting system used is proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, ensuring that the elected Vice President commands broad support across political parties.
Once the new Vice President is elected and assumes office, they automatically become the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
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