In India, the Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office after the President. The role and powers of the Vice President are outlined in the Constitution of India.
1. Article 63: The Vice President of India:
- This article establishes the office of the Vice President. It states that there shall be a Vice President of India who shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament.
2. Article 64: The Vice President to be Ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States:
- Article 64 designates the Vice President as the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). The Vice President presides over the Rajya Sabha but does not have a casting vote in case of a tie.
3. Article 65: The Vice President to act as President or to discharge his functions during casual vacancies in the office, or during the absence, of President:
- This article outlines the situations in which the Vice President can act as the President. This includes discharging the functions of the President in case of a casual vacancy, the President’s absence, or when the President is unable to perform the duties of the office.
4. Article 66: Election of Vice President:
- Article 66 details the manner of the election of the Vice President. The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
5. Article 67: Term of Office of Vice President:
- This article specifies the term of office for the Vice President, which is five years. It also addresses the conditions under which the Vice President can resign before the completion of the term.
6. Article 68: Time of holding election to fill vacancy in the office of Vice President and the term of office of person elected to fill casual vacancy:
- Article 68 deals with the timing of elections to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice President and the term of office for the person elected to fill a casual vacancy.
7. Article 69: Oath or affirmation by the Vice President:
- Article 69 prescribes the oath or affirmation that the Vice President must take before entering upon his office.
8. Article 70: Discharge of President’s functions in other contingencies:
- This article allows the Vice President to discharge the functions of the President during a temporary absence or when the President is unable to discharge the functions of his office. It specifies that such discharge of functions shall not be considered as the assumption of the office of the President.
9. Article 71: Matters relating to, or connected with, the election of a President or Vice President:
- Article 71 confers the power on Parliament to make laws regarding the matters connected with the election of the President or Vice President.
10. Article 72: Power of President to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases:
- While not directly related to the Vice President, Article 72 provides the President with the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense. This power is exercised in consultation with the Vice President and the Council of Ministers.
These articles collectively define the establishment, election, term, functions, and powers of the Vice President of India in the constitutional framework. The Vice President’s role primarily revolves around presiding over the Rajya Sabha and assuming the duties of the President under certain circumstances.
