Why in News? 

The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha rejected the no-confidence resolution against the Vice President of India. 

Constitutional Provisions Regarding the Vice-President 

Role and Responsibilities 

• Article 63: Establishes the position of Vice President of India. 
• Article 64: Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and cannot hold any other office of profit. 
• Article 65: When performing the duties of the President, the Vice President ceases to act as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha and forfeits related allowances. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Article 66: 
  • Must be an Indian citizen. 
  • At least 35 years old. 
  • Eligible for election as a Rajya Sabha member. 
  • Cannot hold any office of profit under government or public authorities. 

Election Process 

• Article 68: Elections for a vacancy must be completed before the term ends. 
• Article 324: Election Commission of India oversees the election process. 
• Electoral College: Includes elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament, using proportional representation and a single transferable vote. 

Oath and Term 

• Article 69: Vice President takes an oath before the President or an appointed representative. 
• Article 67: Serves a five-year term but remains in office until the successor assumes charge. 

Removal Process 

• Article 67(b) 
  • Requires a resolution passed by an effective majority in the Rajya Sabha, agreed upon by the Lok Sabha, with a 14-day prior notice. 
  • Chairman or Deputy Chairman cannot preside over removal proceedings as per Article 92. 

Powers and Functions 

• Adjourns or suspends House proceedings if there is no quorum. 
• Decides on disqualification of Rajya Sabha members under the 10th Schedule for defection. 
• Chairs key committees, including the Business Advisory Committee, Rules Committee, and General Purposes Committee. 
• Interprets the Constitution and House rules, with decisions considered final.