Post serving for three years out of a five-year term, Indian vice-president Jagdeep Dhankar resigns from his office on Monday evening, citing 'medical reasons' in his letter to the President of India Droupadi Murmu.
"To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution," he wrote in his letter to Murmu.
On the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, the resignation was made.
What is Article 67(a)?
Article 67(a) of the Constitution of India allows the resignation of the Vice-President, which states, "A Vice-President may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office."
The Vice-President can resign anytime from his/her office by addressing a resignation letter to the President. The constitution then says that if the office falls vacant by resignation, removal, death, or otherwise, then election to fill the vacancy should be held as soon as possible after the occurrence of the vacancy.
Also Read: Jagdeep Dhankhar’s exit triggers race for next Vice President
How is a Vice-President elected?
According to the constitution, the next vice president must be chosen within 60 days of the vacancy. Given that Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on 21 July, the election would have to be held by 19 September. The official schedule for the vice presidential election will be made public by the Election Commission.
A Vice-President is elected via the process of indirect election. This means the person holding the position is not directly elected by the people. He/She is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of the Parliament, i.e., Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
The Vice-President can hold the office beyond his/her term of five years until his /her successor assumes charge. One is eligible for re-election to that office and may be elected for any number of terms.
Also Read: PM Modi reacts to Dhankar resignation with good health wishes
The newly-elected VP remains in office for a full term of five years from the date he/she assumes office.
What now?
Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will now lead the Rajya Sabha until a new Vice-President is chosen in light of Dhankhar's departure.
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