NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan won the Vice-Presidential election on September 9, 2025, securing 452 votes against Opposition nominee B. Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes.

About the Vice-President of India

• Constitutional Provision: The office of the Vice-President is provided under Article 63 of the Constitution.
• Position: Holds the second-highest constitutional office after the President of India.

Powers and Functions of the Vice-President

• Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha
  • Presides over Rajya Sabha proceedings with powers similar to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
  • Draws salary and allowances in this capacity.
  • Holds the authority to cast a decisive vote in case of a tie.
• Acting as the President of India: Performs the duties of the President when:
  • The office of President falls vacant due to resignation, impeachment, death, or any other reason (for a maximum of six months, until a new President is elected).
  • The President is temporarily unable to discharge duties due to absence, illness, or other causes.
  • During this period, the Vice-President does not act as Chairman of Rajya Sabha; those duties are performed by the Deputy Chairman.
  • When functioning as President, the Vice-President receives the salary and allowances of the President, not those of the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
• Succession in Rajya Sabha: In case of the Vice-President’s resignation, removal, or death, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha discharges the functions of the Chairman.

Election Procedure of Vice President

• Constitutional Provision: Article 68 of the Constitution mandates that the election to fill a vacancy caused by the expiry of the Vice-President’s term must be completed before the incumbent demits office.
• Eligibility criteria for Vice-President (Article 66)
  • The candidate must be a citizen of India.
  • Must have completed 35 years of age.
  • Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, State Government, or any local or other authority.
• Method of Election:
  • The Vice-President is elected indirectly, not directly by the people.
  • The electoral college consists of members of both Houses of Parliament, including both elected and nominated members.

• Election Process: Conducted under Article 324 of the Constitution, along with the provisions of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.
  • As per Rule 8 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, polls for the election are taken in the Parliament House
• Voting System:
  • Conducted by Election Commission of India  in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
  • Voting is by secret ballot.
• Election Disputes and Final Authority
  • All doubts and disputes relating to the Vice-President’s election are decided by the Supreme Court, and its decision is final.
  • The election cannot be challenged on the ground of an incomplete electoral college.
  • If the election is declared void by the Supreme Court, acts done by the Vice-President prior to the declaration remain valid.

Conditions of Office of the Vice President

• Membership Restriction: The Vice President cannot be a member of either House of Parliament or any State Legislature.
  • If such a person is elected as Vice President, their seat in the concerned House is automatically vacated on the date they assume office.
• Office of Profit Restriction: The Vice President cannot hold any other office of profit during their tenure.

Term of Office of the Vice President

• Duration: Holds office for five years from the date of assuming charge.
• Resignation: Can resign at any time by addressing the resignation to the President.
• Removal: 
  • Can be removed by a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha (effective majority) and agreed to by the Lok Sabha (simple majority). 
  • No impeachment process is required, and no grounds for removal are specified in the Constitution.
  • The removal process can be initiated only in the Rajya Sabha.
  • Notice Requirement: A minimum of 14 days’ notice must be given before moving the resolution in Rajya Sabha.
• Continuity: He/She can remain in office beyond the five-year term until the successor assumes charge.
• Re-election: Eligible for re-election for any number of terms.

Vacancy in the Office of Vice President

A vacancy can occur in the following cases:

1. Expiry of Term – Completion of five years.
2. Resignation – By formally resigning to the President.
3. Removal – By a resolution of Parliament.
4. Death – In case of demise during tenure.
5. Other Grounds – Such as disqualification or invalidation of election.

• Filling the Vacancy:
  • If due to expiry of term → election must be held before the term ends.
  • If due to resignation, removal, death, or otherwise → election should be held as soon as possible.
  • The newly elected Vice President serves a full five-year term from the date of assuming office.

Vice Presidents of India

Vice-Presidents Who Became Presidents of India

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