VICE
PRESIDENT : POLITY
NEWS : Opposition parties
prepare to move no-confidence motion against Vice-President
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
About 50 MPs have come together on the decision,
saying they should be given the space and time to speak, that the House should
be run on rules and convention and that Jagdeep Dhankhar must refrain from
personal remarks against members
No-Confidence Motion Against the
Vice-President:
- Context of the No-Confidence Motion:
- The
Opposition is considering moving a no-confidence motion against
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- This
move is based on grievances related to his handling of parliamentary
proceedings, particularly allegations of restricting Opposition speech
and making personal remarks against members.
- Despite
lacking the necessary numbers, the Opposition aims to highlight its
concerns and formally put its sentiments on record during the next
parliamentary session.
- Constitutional Basis: Article 67(B) of the
Indian Constitution:
- Removal
of the Vice-President: Article 67(B)
provides the constitutional mechanism for the removal of the
Vice-President of India.
- Rajya
Sabha’s Role: A resolution to remove the
Vice-President must be passed by a majority
of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Lok
Sabha’s Role: The resolution must also be agreed
to by the Lok Sabha (House of the People) with a simple majority.
- This
type of majority is known as effective majority
- Notice
Requirement: The resolution to remove the
Vice-President must be preceded by at least fourteen days’ notice to
allow for adequate preparation and deliberation.
- Advantages of the Process Outlined in Article
67(B):
- Rigorous
Process: The requirement for a majority of
all members in the Rajya Sabha and a simple majority in the Lok Sabha
ensures that the decision to remove the Vice-President is not taken
lightly. This rigorous process demands broad parliamentary consensus,
thereby preventing arbitrary or politically motivated removal.
- Prevention
of Abuse: The fourteen-day notice period is
crucial for preventing hasty decisions. It allows time for thorough
deliberation and gives all parties the opportunity to present their
views, thereby safeguarding against the misuse of the removal process.
- Checks
and Balances: The necessity of dual approval from
both Houses of Parliament (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) helps maintain a
balance of power. This ensures that the decision to remove the
Vice-President is representative of the entire Parliament, rather than
being driven by a single House or political faction.
- Historical Context and Significance:
- Rare
and Significant Process: The process
outlined in Article 67(B) is rare and significant, emphasizing the
gravity of removing a Vice-President from office. The procedural rigor
involved reflects the seriousness with which such a motion is treated.
- Unprecedented
Nature: No Vice-President has ever been
removed from office in Indian parliamentary history. This makes the
process both unprecedented and challenging, highlighting the exceptional
nature of such a motion.
- Implications of the Motion:
- Political
Strategy: The Opposition’s consideration of
this motion, even without the necessary numbers to succeed, indicates a
strategic move to bring their concerns to the forefront of parliamentary
debate.
- Public
and Parliamentary Discourse: The motion could
potentially shift the focus of parliamentary and public discourse towards
the functioning of the Vice-President and the broader issues related to
parliamentary procedures and conduct.
- Conclusion:
- The
no-confidence motion against the Vice-President, as per Article 67(B),
represents a significant constitutional process that underscores the
importance of checks and balances within the Indian parliamentary system.
While the success of such a motion remains uncertain, its consideration
highlights the ongoing dynamics and tensions within the Indian political
landscape.
Source
: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/opposition-parties-prepare-to-move-no-confidence-motion-against-vice-president/article68506004.ece#:~:text=As%20many%20as%2050%20Opposition,an%20effective%20majority%20and%20agreed