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Removal Procedure of the Vice President of India

Step 1: Resolution in Rajya Sabha The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) starts the process. A resolution to remove the VP must be introduced in RS only.
Amith

🌟 Vice President of India – Removal Procedure (Simple Explanation)

🧠 First, remember:

  • The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office in India (after the President).

  • He is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).

Now, let’s understand how he can be removed from office.

🪜 Step-by-step Procedure to Remove the Vice President

✅ Step 1: Resolution in Rajya Sabha

  • The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) starts the process.

  • A resolution (proposal) to remove the Vice President must be introduced in the Rajya Sabha Only.

✍️ Step 2: 14 days’ Notice

  • Before the resolution is taken up, at least 14 days' notice must be given.

  • This means MPs have to inform in advance that they want to bring a removal motion.

👥 Step 3: Support of Majority in Rajya Sabha

  • The resolution must be passed by a majority of all members of the Rajya Sabha.

    • This is called the effective majority (more on that below).

🏛️ Step 4: Simple Majority in Lok Sabha

  • After Rajya Sabha passes the resolution, it goes to the Lok Sabha (Lower House).

  • Lok Sabha just needs to pass it with a simple majority (more than 50% of members present and voting).

✅ If both Houses agree: The Vice President is removed.

📘 What is "Effective Majority"?

  • Effective majority = Total strength of the house – Vacant seats.

  • Example: If Rajya Sabha has 245 total seats and 5 seats are vacant, then:

    • Effective strength = 245 - 5 = 240

    • So, the majority needed = more than 120 members must support the resolution.

⚠️ Important Points

  • No grounds (reasons) are required for removal. It's a political decision.

  • This is different from impeachment of the President, which is more complex and involves violation of the Constitution.

  • Supreme Court cannot be directly involved in this process. It is a parliamentary procedure.

🧑‍🏫 Simple Example:

Let’s say the Rajya Sabha members are unhappy with the behavior of the Vice President. They think he is not doing his job properly.

  1. Some MPs in Rajya Sabha give a 14-day notice saying they want to remove him.

  2. After 14 days, the Rajya Sabha votes and passes the resolution with an effective majority.

  3. Now it goes to the Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha also passes it with a simple majority.

  4. ✅ Done! The Vice President is removed from office.

🤔 Quick Revision Table

Step Description Type of Majority
1 Introduce resolution in Rajya Sabha 14 days notice
2 Rajya Sabha votes Effective Majority
3 Lok Sabha votes Simple Majority
4 If both pass Vice President is removed


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