Opposition parties prepare to move no-confidence motion against Vice-President

Sub: Polity

Sec: Parliaments

Context:

As many as 50 Opposition MPs, sources said, have signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution.

How is the vice president elected?

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.

What is the process of removal of the Vice President?

Article 67 of the Indian constitution provides for the removal of the vice president.
The Vice President can be removed from office before the completion of his term.
There is no need for a formal impeachment for removal of the Vice president.
He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha (Effective Majority) and agreed to by the Lok Sabha (Simple Majority).
It must be noted here that the effective majority in India is only a type of special majority and not a separate one.
Further, this resolution can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha and not in the Lok Sabha.
But, no such resolution can be moved unless at least 14 days advance notice has been given.
If the Opposition moves such a resolution, it will be the first such occasion in Indian parliamentary history.

Why is the opposition bringing the resolution?

The Opposition complained that Congress president and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s microphone is routinely turned off.
The problems generated on the floor of the House should be sorted there but opposition members are told to visit the Chairman in his chamber for making any complaint.
The third accusation that the Opposition has made against the Chairman is on his personal remarks against members.
- Rule 238(2) of the Rajya Sabha clearly states that a member while speaking shall not make a personal charge against a member.