Opposition's Move Against Rajya Sabha Chairman

Context : 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 numbers to ensure impeachment, the move aims to send a political message to the ruling party.

Vice President in India

About the Vice President

• The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office in India, modeled after the American Vice-President.

Eligibility (Article 66(3))

• Must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, and qualified to be elected as a Rajya Sabha member.
• Cannot hold an office of profit under the government.

Election Process

• Article 66(1): Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament through proportional representation and a single transferable vote system.
• Includes nominated members of Parliament but excludes state legislative assemblies (unlike the Presidential election).
• Disputes are resolved by the Supreme Court.

Tenure (Article 67)

• Serves a five-year term, eligible for re-election.
• Can resign to the President or be removed by a resolution passed by:
  • Effective majority in the Rajya Sabha.
  • Agreement by the Lok Sabha.

Roles and Powers

• Ex-Officio Rajya Sabha Chairman: Ensures smooth proceedings and votes only to break ties.
• Acting President (Article 65): Acts as President during their absence or vacancy.
• Ceremonial Role: Represents the neutrality and dignity of the office.

Impeachment Process (Article 67(b))

• Requires a 14-day notice and a resolution passed by:
  • Majority of all members in the Rajya Sabha.
  • Simple majority in the Lok Sabha.

Opposition’s Resolution Against Dhankhar

Context

The opposition accuses Jagdeep Dhankhar of partisanship, citing his remarks targeting Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the context of an alleged currency recovery.

Constitutional Basis

The move relies on Article 67(b), which outlines the process for removing a Vice President.

No Precedent for Chairman’s Removal

• No instance of impeachment or no-confidence resolution exists against a Rajya Sabha Chairman.
• In 2020, a resolution was moved against Deputy Chairman Harivansh over procedural disagreements but did not succeed.

Conclusion

Though the opposition lacks the numbers for impeachment, this move is a symbolic challenge to alleged partisanship and aims to uphold constitutional and parliamentary values.