The Vice-President of India Resignation

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on July 21, 2025, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in India’s second-highest constitutional office. His resignation, effective immediately, was submitted in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution and cited health concerns and the need to prioritize medical advice.

Dhankhar had served as the Vice-President of India since 2022, following his tenure as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022. He is only the third Vice-President in India’s history to resign before completing his term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman, both of whom stepped down to contest presidential elections.

Constitutional Provisions and Succession:

• No Acting Vice-President: The Constitution does not provide for an acting Vice-President.
• Role in Rajya Sabha: As the Vice-President is also the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the Deputy Chairman, Harivansh Narayan Singh, will preside over the House in his absence. Articles 64 and 89(1) of the Constitution specify this dual role and prohibit the Vice-President from holding any other office of profit.
• Vacancy Timeline: Unlike a Presidential vacancy, which must be filled within six months, there is no fixed deadline for a Vice-Presidential vacancy. The Constitution only requires that the election be held “as soon as possible” after the post falls vacant, which the Election Commission will oversee.

Election Process for the New Vice-President:

• Legal Framework: The election is conducted under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and governed by Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution and the Vice-President (Election) Rules, 1974.
• Electoral College: The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college comprising members from both Houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—including nominated members. State legislatures do not participate in this election.
• Voting Method: Voting is held in Parliament House in New Delhi by secret ballot, using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. Each Member of Parliament (MP) casts a vote by ranking candidates in order of preference, with all votes carrying equal value. A candidate must secure a required minimum number of votes (the quota) to be declared elected.
• Returning Officer: As per convention, the Secretary General of either House of Parliament is appointed as the Returning Officer on a rotational basis.
• Full Term: The newly elected candidate will serve a full five-year term from the date of assuming office, not just the remainder of Dhankhar’s tenure.