Context:
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post citing health reasons, invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution. He submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu.
Constitutional Provisions
Article 67(a):
- Enables the Vice President to resign by writing under his hand addressed to the President.
- No time limit prescribed; resignation is effective immediately upon submission.
Other Relevant Articles:
- Article 63: Provides for the office of the Vice President.
- Article 64: Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Article 65: Vice President discharges functions of the President during casual vacancy or absence.
- Article 68: Governs the election process in case of vacancy.
About Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation (2025)
- Age: 74
- Tenure: Took office in August 2022, resigned mid-term in July 2025.
- Reason: Health-related concerns after presiding over the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Process of Resignation and Filling Vacancy
- Mode: Written submission to the President; no formal acceptance required.
- Filling the Vacancy:
- No fixed constitutional deadline for electing a new Vice President.
- Election Commission conducts election using proportional representation via single transferable vote by MPs.
Tenure & Re-Election
- Term: 5 years.
- Eligibility:
- Can resign or continue until successor takes charge.
- Eligible for unlimited re-elections.
