CarpeDiem IAS • CarpeDiem IAS • CarpeDiem IAS •

Resignation of the 14th Vice-President of India

22 Jul 2025 GS 2 Polity
Resignation of the 14th Vice-President of India Click to view full image
Context: Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice-President of India, resigned from office on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament (2025), citing health reasons.

In his letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he stated that he was resigning in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution, which allows the Vice-President to resign by writing under his hand to the President.

Dhankhar was elected as Vice-President in August 2022, and his resignation comes two years before completion of his five-year term.

Vice-President of India – Term, Vacancy, Powers and Functions:

The office of vice president is the second-highest constitutional office after the president and ranks second in the order of precedence and first in the line of succession to the presidency

Term and Vacancy

  • The Vice-President (VP) holds office for five years but can resign earlier by writing to the President.

  • Removal is possible via a resolution passed by:

    • Effective majority (majority of all the members of the House, not just those present and voting)

    • in the Rajya Sabha (initiated here only), and Simple majority in the Lok Sabha

    • With 14 days’ notice, and no specific grounds are required.

  • Unlike the process for removing the President, the Constitution does not outline specific reasons for removing the Vice President. 

  • Can continue beyond the term until a successor takes charge and is eligible for re-election any number of times.

  • Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was re-elected for a second term.

Vacancy Causes:

  1. Expiry of tenure

  2. Resignation

  3. Removal

  4. Death (e.g., Krishna Kant 1st to die in office)

  5. Disqualification or void election

  • If term expires: election before expiry.

  • If vacancy due to other reasons: election as soon as possible.

  • Newly elected VP holds a full five-year term.

Powers and Functions

  1. Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha:

    • Similar to Speaker of Lok Sabha.

    • Like the American VP who is Chairman of the Senate.

  2. Acts as President:

    • In case of President’s vacancy (resignation, removal, death, etc.),

    • Can act up to 6 months, until new President is elected.

    • Temporarily discharges duties when President is ill or absent.

    • During this time, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha handles Rajya Sabha duties.

Emoluments & Privileges

  • No separate salary as VP.

  • Gets salary as Chairman of Rajya Sabha: ₹4 lakh/month .

  • Pension: 50% of salary (per 2008 amendment).

  • Entitled to allowances, residence, medical and travel facilities.

  • When acting as President, receives President's salary and perks.

Comparison with American VP

  • Indian VP becomes Acting President only.

  • American VP becomes President for the full remaining term.

  • Indian VP’s role is seen as limited and largely ceremonial, leading some to call it “His Superfluous Highness”.

  • Still, the post ensures political continuity in the Indian system.



← Back to list