GS 2 – Polity
Constitutional & Statutory Foundations
Constitutional Provisions
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Article 63 establishes the office of Vice‑President.
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Article 66(1): Election via an Electoral College of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha, including nominated members). State legislatures do not participate
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Article 67(a): Vice‑President may resign by writing to the President; Article 68(2): Vacancies must be filled “as soon as possible” (no fixed deadline)
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Disputes relating to election are adjudicated by a five‑judge bench of the Supreme Court (Article 71(1))
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Statutory Framework
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Governed by the Presidential and Vice‑Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the Rules, 1974
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Eligibility & Nomination Requirements
Must be:
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Citizen of India,
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At least 35 years old,
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Qualified for election to the Rajya Sabha,
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Not holding any office of profit under central/state government
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Nomination process:
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Backed by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders from MPs,
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Security deposit of ₹15,000,
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Scrutiny deadline: 1 day after filing,
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Withdrawal period: 2 days
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Voting System & Election Mechanics
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Voting method: Single Transferable Vote (STV) under proportional representation; conducted via secret ballot inside Parliament premises
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Each MP casts one vote, ranking multiple preferences (1, 2, 3…). First preference is mandatory, others optional.
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Quota formula: (Total valid votes ÷ 2) + 1 (disregarding fraction).
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Counting: If no one achieves the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and votes are transferred until someone meets the quota
Timelines & Vacancy Management
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Vacancies arising due to resignation, removal, death, etc., must be filled without undue delay under Article 68(2)
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While no fixed timeline exists, EC typically follows a statutory minimum of ~32 days: 14 days for nominations, 1 day scrutiny, 2 days withdrawal, plus minimum 15 days until polling if needed
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From Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on 21 July 2025, EC initiated the election process within 48 hours; electoral roll preparations and appointment of Returning Officer (Rajya Sabha Secretary-General) were set in motion
Interim Arrangement & Succession
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There is no acting Vice‑President post-resignation. The Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha (currently Harivansh Narayan Singh) officiates proceedings in the Upper House until a new VP is elected
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Eligible candidate elected mid‑term gets a full five‑year term from assumption of office, not just the remaining part of predecessor’s tenure