The Vice-President

Vice- President is indirectly elected by means of single transferable vote.

State Legislatures do not take part in the election of Vice- President.

The electoral college for Vice-president consists of the members of both Houses of Parliament {ref: Art 66(1)}.

To be elected as Vice-President of India a person must be:

·         A citizen of India

·         Over 35 years of Age

·         Must not hold an office of profit  save that of President , Vice-President , Governor or minister   for the union or a state {ref: Art.66}

·         Qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

In case a member of the Legislature is elected Vice-President, he shall be deemed to have vacated his seat in the House to which he belongs.

Term of the office of Vice-president is five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. Office of vice – President may terminate earlier than the fixed them either by resignation or by removal.

A formal impeachment is not required for vice- President’s removal.

Vice- president can be removed by a resolution of the rajya Sabha passed by a majority of its members and agreed to by the Lok Sabha {Ref: Art.67}

A sitting Vice-President is eligible for re-election. Dr.S. Radhakrishnan was elected as the Vice-President of India for a second term in 1957.

No functions are attached to the office of the Vice-President. The normal function of the Vice- President is to act as the ex-officio Chairman of the rajya Sabha.

If any vacancy occurs in the office of the President, Vice-President Acts as President Until a new President is elected and enters upon his office {Ref. Art. 65(1)}