Opposition’s Notice for Impeachment of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar: Key Details and Historical Context

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Vice President of India – Appointment, powers, impeachment
• Notice for resolution to impeach Vice President of India

Why in News?

Opposition parties, under the INDIA bloc, plan to submit a no-confidence or impeachment resolution against Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

While lacking sufficient numbers to ensure impeachment, the move aims to send a political message to the ruling Party.

Vice President in India

• About
  • The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office (after President).
• This office is modeled on the lines of the American Vice-President.
• Eligibility (Article 66)
  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • At least 35 years of age.
  • Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Cannot hold any office of profit under the Government of India or a state government.
• Election (Article 66)
  • Elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
  • It is different from the electoral college for the election of the President:
    • It consists of both elected and nominated members of the Parliament (in the case of the President, only elected members).
    • It does not include the members of the state legislative assemblies (in the case of the President, the elected members of the state legislative assemblies are included).
  • All doubts and disputes concerning the election of the Vice-President are inquired into and decided by the Supreme Court, whose decision is final.
• Tenure (Article 67)
  • Holds office for a term of 5 years but is eligible for re-election.
  • Can resign by submitting a resignation letter to the President.
  • Can be removed by a resolution passed by an effective majority in the Rajya Sabha and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha.
• Roles, Responsibilities, and Powers
  • Ex-Officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Article 64):
    • Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions and ensures smooth conduct of proceedings.
    • Does not vote in the Rajya Sabha except to break a tie.
  • Acting President (Article 65):
    • Discharges the functions of the President during their absence, resignation, removal, or death, until a new President is elected.
  • Ceremonial Role:
    • Represents the dignity and neutrality of the office without being part of day-to-day governance.
  • Impeachment Process (Article 67(b))
  • Can be removed by a resolution passed by:
    • A majority of all members of the Rajya Sabha.
    • Agreement of the Lok Sabha by a simple majority.
    • Requires at least 14 days’ notice before moving the resolution.

Notice for resolution to impeach Vice President of India

• About the news
  • The opposition parties have decided to submit a notice to move a no-confidence or impeachment resolution against the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
  • The move is based on Article 67(b) of the Constitution, which allows for the removal of a Vice-President through a resolution passed by a majority in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha.
• Opposition's Grievances
  • Accusations of partisanship against Dhankhar have been building.
  • This was significant after he named Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi in the context of alleged currency recovery.
    • Recently, Rajya Sabha Chairman announced in the House that “a wad of currency notes” was recovered from a seat allotted to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
  • There are claims that the ruling party and its government are undermining constitutional offices and parliamentary democracy.
• No Precedent for Chairman Impeachment
  • There is no precedent for moving an impeachment or no-confidence resolution against the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
  • A similar no-confidence resolution was moved against Deputy Chairman Harivansh in 2020 over procedural disagreements regarding contentious farm Bills.
• Historical Context
  • Past instances of resolutions against Lok Sabha Speakers include G V Mavalankar (1951), Sardar Hukam Singh (1966), and Balram Jakhar (1987). 
  • These were all discussed and negated by the House.

Q.1. Why are opposition parties planning to impeach Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar?

Opposition parties allege partisanship, citing recent incidents like Dhankhar naming Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi in an alleged currency recovery case. This move aims to signal political disapproval and uphold parliamentary democracy.

Q.2. Has there been a precedent for impeaching a Rajya Sabha Chairman?

No, there has been no precedent for impeaching the Rajya Sabha Chairman. However, a no-confidence resolution was moved against Deputy Chairman Harivansh in 2020 for procedural disagreements.

News: Opposition set to submit notice for resolution to impeach Jagdeep Dhankhar

Indian Express