Vice-President of India

C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, was elected as the 17th Vice-President of India on September 2025.

Constitutional Position

• The Vice-President is the second highest constitutional office in India (after the President).
• Mentioned under Articles 63–71 in Part V of the Indian Constitution.
• Serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the principle of separation between the Legislature and the Executive.
• Unlike the President, the Vice-President does not perform executive functions, except when acting as the President in temporary vacancies.

Term and Tenure

• Normal tenure is 5 years(Article 67), but continues until the successor assumes charge.
• May resign by submitting resignation to the President of India.
• Removal:
  • By a resolution of the Rajya Sabha, passed by an effective majority (i.e., majority of the then members of Rajya Sabha).
  • Must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha (simple majority).
  • Prior notice of at least 14 days is mandatory.

Qualifications (Article 66 & 67)

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must have completed 35 years of age.
• Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
• Must not hold any office of profit under Union, State, local, or public authority (to ensure neutrality and independence).

Electoral College

• Article 66 provides that Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, consisting of:
  • Elected members of Rajya Sabha,
  • Nominated members of Rajya Sabha,
  • Elected members of Lok Sabha.
• Note: Unlike the President’s election, state legislatures have no role in electing the Vice-President.

Election Process

• Supervised by: Election Commission of India (Article 324).
• Law governing election: Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and Rules, 1974.
• Notification: Issued not earlier than 60 days before expiry of the term.
• Returning Officer: Secretary-General of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha (by rotation).
• Polling Venue: Parliament House, New Delhi.
• Vote Value: Since all electors are MPs, each MP’s vote value is 1 (unlike the Presidential election, where vote value varies).
• Method: Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote (STV), by secret ballot.

Functions

• Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions (like the Speaker in Lok Sabha).
• Maintains order, decides on procedural matters, and ensures smooth functioning of the House.
• Cannot vote in Rajya Sabha except in case of a tie (casting vote).
• Acts as President of India when:
  • Vacancy arises due to death, resignation, removal, or incapacity of the President (for maximum 6 months, until new President is elected).

Key Distinctions from the President

• Electoral College:
  • President: Includes both MPs and MLAs of States/UTs.
  • Vice-President: Only MPs (both elected and nominated).
• Role:
  • President: Executive Head of State.
  • Vice-President: Primarily legislative role as Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
• Removal:
  • President: Impeachment process involving both Houses with a special majority.
  • Vice-President: Simple resolution of Rajya Sabha agreed by Lok Sabha.