Provision to impeachment of Vice President of India

The Vice President of India can be removed from office by a process of impeachment outlined in Article 67(b) of the Constitution of India. This process is distinct from the impeachment of the President and is governed by a simpler mechanism.

Key Provisions for the Removal of the Vice President:

1. Grounds for Removal:
   • The Constitution does not specify the grounds for the removal of the Vice President. It can be for reasons such as misconduct or incapacity, but this is subject to interpretation by Parliament.
2. Initiation of the Process:
   • A resolution for removal can be initiated in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), where the Vice President serves as the Chairperson.
3. Notice Requirement:
   • A 14-day advance notice is required before moving the resolution.
4. Majority Required:
   • The resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha.
5. Approval by the Lok Sabha:
   • Once passed in the Rajya Sabha, the resolution must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha (House of the People) by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

Points to Note:

• The Vice President does not have the right to preside over the proceedings during the discussion on their removal in the Rajya Sabha.
• The removal process is political, as it does not involve judicial investigation.

The mechanism ensures that the Vice President can be removed only with the concurrence of both Houses of Parliament, maintaining the dignity of the office while allowing accountability.