Why in news?
Recently Vice Presidential election took place on September 9, 2025, with CP Radhakrishnan elected as the 15th Vice President following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health concerns.
 
Constitutional Provisions & Election Process

• The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament.
• Voting uses the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and is conducted by secret ballot.
• A candidate must be proposed by at least 20 MPs and seconded by another 20 MPs; also must deposit ₹15,000 as security.
• Eligibility criteria: Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, eligible for Rajya Sabha membership, not holding any office of profit under government.

Election Procedures

• The election is overseen by the Election Commission of India, and the Returning Officer is usually the Secretary-General of a Parliament House.
• The Vice President serves a five-year term unless removed or resigns, as per Articles 67 and 68 of the Constitution.

Role and Powers

• The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office in India, and is ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• In case of a Presidential vacancy, the Vice President acts as President until a new President is elected.

Removal

• Initiation of removal resolution only in Rajya Sabha.
• Resolution must be passed by an effective majority of all members in Rajya Sabha.
• Lok Sabha must agree by a simple majority.
• 14 days' notice of intention to move the resolution.
• No specific grounds for removal mentioned in the Constitution.
• Supreme Court has jurisdiction over election disputes and can remove the Vice President for malpractices.

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