C. P. Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India in a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and other dignitaries. Soon after assuming charge, Radhakrishnan reached out to Opposition leaders in the Rajya Sabha, assuring them of “fair justice” and cooperation—remarks that signal his intent to maintain a balanced and inclusive approach in the Upper House.

This development provides an important opportunity to revisit the constitutional provisions, powers, and responsibilities associated with the office of the Vice-President of India.

Constitutional Provisions Related to the Vice-President

The office of the Vice-President is a unique feature of India’s parliamentary system, outlined in Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution of India:

• Article 63: Mandates that “there shall be a Vice-President of India.”
• Article 64: Makes the Vice-President the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Article 65: Assigns the Vice-President to act as the President in case of a vacancy due to death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, until a new President assumes office.

Unlike the President, the Vice-President has no counterpart in many parliamentary democracies, which makes this position unique in India’s constitutional design.

Election Process of the Vice-President

The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — including nominated members. The state legislatures do not participate in this election.

The election is conducted using the proportional representation system by means of a single transferable vote (STV) and voting is done by secret ballot. Every Member of Parliament (MP) has an equal vote, and candidates must secure the quota of votes to be declared elected.

Eligibility Criteria

A candidate contesting for the office of the Vice-President must:

• Be a citizen of India;
• Be at least 35 years of age;
• Be qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha;
• Not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or state governments (except President, Governor, or Minister).

Term of Office

The Vice-President serves a term of five years but continues until a successor assumes office. They are eligible for re-election and may also resign before the completion of their term by submitting a letter to the President.

Powers and Functions

The Vice-President holds a dual responsibility:

1. As Vice-President of India:
   • Acts as the President in case of a vacancy or temporary absence.
   • Performs ceremonial duties as the second-highest constitutional functionary.
2. As Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
   • Presides over the proceedings of the Upper House.
   • Ensures orderly conduct of debates, maintains decorum, and facilitates legislative business.
   • Has the casting vote in case of a tie, but otherwise does not vote in the House.

This dual role makes the Vice-President central to India’s parliamentary democracy, balancing constitutional duties with legislative functioning.

Removal of the Vice-President

Unlike the President, the Vice-President cannot be impeached. They may be removed through a resolution of the Rajya Sabha, passed by an absolute majority, and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. A 14-day notice must be given before such a resolution is moved.

Current Political Context

Radhakrishnan’s assumption of office comes at a politically sensitive juncture. His predecessor, Jagdeep Dhankhar, often clashed with the Opposition, to the extent that a motion for his removal had once been initiated. Opposition leaders, wary of past experiences, urged the new Vice-President to ensure equal space and respect for diverse viewpoints in the Rajya Sabha.

By assuring the Opposition of “fair justice,” Radhakrishnan has attempted to set a conciliatory tone. However, many leaders have adopted a wait-and-watch approach to see how this assurance translates into practice in parliamentary functioning.

Key Takeaways

• The Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional office in India, created to provide continuity and stability in governance.
• The election system of the Vice-President is distinct from that of the President, emphasizing the role of Parliament rather than state legislatures.
• The Vice-President’s most significant role is as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where impartiality, fairness, and decorum are paramount.
• The recent developments underline the delicate balance between the government and the Opposition in parliamentary democracy, and how the Vice-President can play a pivotal role in ensuring that balance.

Conclusion

C. P. Radhakrishnan’s tenure as Vice-President begins with a promise of fairness and inclusivity in parliamentary proceedings. The functioning of the Rajya Sabha under his leadership will be closely observed, given its importance as a forum for federal deliberation and legislative scrutiny. The Vice-President’s ability to ensure dignity, equal space, and constructive debate will determine how effectively this constitutional office upholds its mandate in strengthening India’s democracy.