Vice President (Article 63 - 71)

The Vice President of India is the second highest ranking government official after the President. Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Article 63 of the constitution of india provides for a Vice President.

Election of Vice President (Article 66)

Vice President is elected by an electoral college of members of both the Houses (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) of the parliament by single transferable vote by secret ballot of the Parliament. Nomination of the candidate for election to the office of vice president must be subscribed by atleast 20 electors as proposers and 20 electors as seconders. Every candidate haas to make a security deposit of Rs 15,000 in the Reserve Bank of India. All disputes arising in connection with the election of the Vice President are petitioned to the supreme court of india, which inquires into the matter. The decision of the supreme court is final. The Vice President shall act as the president during the later's absence. The term of vice president is 5 years. If the president resigns or dies in office the vice president shall act as the president for a maximum period of 6 months and before the end of that period a new president will be elected.

Qualifications of Vice President

Citizen of India. More than 35 years of age. Possess the qualification for membership of Rajya Sabha. Not hold any office of profit under union, state or local authority.

Functions of Vice President 

■ Chairman of Rajya Sabha

■ Presides over the meetings of Rajya Sabha

■ Maintains decorum and decency in Rajya Sabha

■ Allots time to members to speak

■ He is not a member of Rajya Sabha

■ Makes use of casting vote (in case of tie)

■ Acts as President in case of vacancy in the presidential office for a maximum period of 6 months. (Then he does not do his functions as the chairperson of Rajya Sabha)

Removal of Vice President

He can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority. (Majority of the total members of the House). This resolution however must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha. Before moving such a resolution a 14 days advance notice has to be given. The vice president can hold office beyond his term of five years until his successor assumes charge. The Vice President may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the President. 

Articles 63 - 71

Article 63: The Vice-President of India

Article 64: The Vice-President to be ex officio Chairman of the Council of States

Article 65: The Vice-President to act as President or to discharge his functions during casual vacancies in the office, or during the absence, of President

Article 66: Election of Vice-President

Article 67: Term of office of Vice-President

Article 68: Time of holding election to fill vacancy in the office of Vice-President and the term of office of person elected to fill casual vacancy

Article 69: Oath or affirmation by the Vice-President

Article 70: Discharge of President’s functions in other contingencies

Article 71: Matters relating to, or connected with, the election of a President or Vice-President