CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's 15th Vice President, following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. In the election Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, with a high voting turnout of 98.2%. Also Read: NCERT Notes for UPSC, CDS, NDA, CAPF AC & AFCAT Written Exam
Important GK Facts for UPSC CDS NDA AFCAT SSC CGL CPO SI Exam
The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country.
The VP is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this capacity, his powers and functions are similar to those of Loksabha’s speakers.
It serves a term of five years and is eligible for re-election.
The VP may resign by submitting his resignation to the President of India.
If the President is unable to discharge their duties due to absence, illness, or any other cause, the Vice-President assumes the role of Acting President.
This arrangement continues until a new President is elected, which must occur within six months if the vacancy arises due to the President’s death, resignation, or removal.
During this period, the VP ceases to perform the functions of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
As per Article 66 of the Constitution of India, the Vice-President is elected by the members of the Electoral College.
Electoral College consists of: Elected and Nominated members of both House of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
The Election Commission conducts the process under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
Removal: The Vice President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), passed by a majority of its members at that time and agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
A resolution for this purpose may be moved only after a notice of at least a minimum of 14 days has been given of such an intention.
Important Article of the Indian Constitution Related to the Vice President of India
Article 63: India shall have a Vice-President.
Article 64: The Vice-President shall be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Article 65: The Vice-President acts as President, during casual vacancy in the office of the President.
Article 66: It mandates the indirect election of the Vice President by both Houses through proportional representation with a single transferable vote and a secret ballot.
Article 67: From the time of his appointment, the Vice-tenure President’s in office must be for a period of five years.
Article 68: Before the term’s expiration, a vote must be held to fill any vacancies caused by the vice president’s tenure coming to an end. Elections must be held as soon as possible to fill any vacancies left by the vice president’s death, resignation, or removal.
Article 69: Each Vice President must take an oath or affirmation before the President, or a person he has nominated in that capacity.
Article 70: President’s duties are discharged in other emergencies.
Eligibility for Vice-President
● Must be a citizen of India;
● Must be at least 35 years old,
● Is qualified for election as a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha)
● Must not hold any office of profit under the central or state government, or any public or local authority.
Additional Facts Related to Vice President of India
Only Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1st & 2nd VP, elected unopposed both times) and Mohammad Hamid Ansari (13th & 14th VP, 2007–2017) have served two consecutive terms.
Apart from S. Radhakrishnan, M. Hidayatullah (7th VP) and Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (9th VP) was also elected unopposed.
Krishan Kant (10th VP, 1997–2002) was the first and only Vice President to die while in office.
Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah is the only person in Indian history to have served as Chief Justice of India, Acting President, and Vice President.
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Also Read: Important NCERT Notes for UPSC CDS NDA CAPF AC and AFCAT Written Exam
