Opposition Calls for Removal of Rajya Sabha Chairman Citing Alleged Bias

Sub: Polity

Sec: legislation in news

Why in News

The Opposition in the Rajya Sabha has initiated an unprecedented move to remove the Vice-President and Chairman of the Upper House, citing allegations of bias. This marks a significant political development, as such a request for removal of a sitting Rajya Sabha Chairperson has never been witnessed before.

Background:

Nearly 60 MPs from the INDIA bloc submitted a notice to the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General, P.C. Mody, on December 5, 2024.

The Opposition accused Vice-President Dhankhar of conducting the House proceedings in an “extremely biased” manner since assuming office in August 2022.

About Vice President:

The Vice President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation.
Members of the state legislative assembly do not participate in the vice president election.
Article 63: Establishes the office of the Vice-President.
Article 64: States that the Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Article 65: Details the Vice-President’s role as Acting President during the absence, resignation, removal, or death of the President.
Article 66: Lays down the election process for the Vice-President.
- Electoral College: Comprises members of both Houses of Parliament.
- Voting System: Proportional representation through a single transferable vote.
Article 67: Specifies the procedure for the removal of the Vice-President.
- Requires a resolution passed by an absolute majority and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the Rajya Sabha.
Article 68: Provides for the timeline of elections to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice-President.

What is the process of removal of the Vice President?

The Vice-President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), passed by a majority of its members at that time and agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha). A resolution for this purpose may be moved only after a notice of at least a minimum of 14 days has been given of such an intention.