Vice President of India

3.1 Election and Qualifications

The Vice President (Articles 63-69) is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. State Legislative Assemblies do not participate in this election. The election is held by proportional representation through the single transferable vote.

Qualifications (Article 66):

• Citizen of India
• Minimum age 35 years
• Eligible to be elected as a member of Rajya Sabha
• Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, a state government, or a local/public authority under their control

Removal and Acting Role

Removal: By a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an absolute majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha (simple majority). Notice of 14 days is required. This is a key difference from the President's impeachment, which requires a two-thirds majority of the total membership of each House.

Role as Rajya Sabha Chairman:

• Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions
• Exercises a casting vote in case of a tie
• Maintains order, discipline, and decorum in the House
• Decides procedural matters connected with the conduct of business in Rajya Sabha

Acting as President: When the President's office falls vacant because of death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, or when the President is unable to discharge the functions of the office owing to absence, illness, or any other cause, the Vice President acts as President and exercises all presidential powers. V.V. Giri acted as President after Dr. Zakir Husain's death in 1969.

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