Dhankhar Submits his resignation to the President

Why in the News?

On July 22, 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice-President of India, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing medical reasons. The resignation, effective immediately under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, comes two years before the end of his tenure and coincides with the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. His move has triggered political and constitutional conversations about continuity in top constitutional offices.

Background

Constitutional Position:

• The Vice-President of India is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Elected under Article 66, and removal or resignation provisions are under Article 67.

Article 67(a):

• A Vice-President may resign by writing under his hand addressed to the President.

Jagdeep Dhankhar:

• Elected in August 2022 as the 14th Vice-President of India.
• Previously served as the Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022).
• Known for his frequent interventions in the Rajya Sabha and his vocal role in parliamentary conduct.

Health Background:

• Suffered a cardiac episode in March 2025 but resumed his duties.
• Cited medical advice as the primary reason for stepping down.

Key Features of the Resignation

Unexpected Timing:

• Came during a live session of Parliament.
• Mr. Dhankhar had presided over the morning proceedings, including the motion for Justice Yashwant Varma’s removal, but was absent post-lunch.

Formal Compliance with the Constitution:

• Resignation submitted as per Article 67(a).
  Official communication posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Unclear Succession:

• The President has not yet officially accepted the resignation.
  No acting Vice-President provision is explicitly laid down in the Constitution, although the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha may officiate in the Rajya Sabha.

Political Reactions:

• Mixed response: while the BJP remained silent, the Opposition termed it “shocking”.
• Jairam Ramesh of Congress termed the resignation “inexplicable”, given his active participation earlier in the day.

Challenges

Lack of Clarity in Succession Protocol:

• The Constitution does not specify the process for electing a new Vice-President in case of mid-term resignation.
• Raises questions about the functioning of the Rajya Sabha until a new V-P is elected.

Impact on Rajya Sabha Functioning:

• The Vice-President is the Chairperson of the Upper House and plays a crucial role in maintaining order and procedural conduct.
• A sudden vacancy could affect legislative business, especially during the Monsoon Session.

Perception of Political Instability:

• Sudden resignations of constitutional office-bearers can lead to speculation and political anxiety.

Medical vs Political Reasons?:

• Although the resignation cites health, the lack of advance notice or visible deterioration in functioning has led to speculation about other possible causes, including internal political pressures or controversies.

Way Forward

Immediate Institutional Continuity:

• The Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, should step up to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.
• Timely Election:
  The Election Commission of India should initiate the process to elect a new Vice-President within a reasonable time frame to ensure constitutional continuity.

Revisit Succession Framework:

• The Rules of Procedure and related laws may need codification or amendment to clearly outline interim arrangements for the V-P’s role.

Transparency in Constitutional Offices:

• The Vice-President’s resignation and health status must be communicated with clarity to avoid rumour-mongering or political suspicion.

Strengthen Institutional Robustness:

• Build institutional checks to ensure that sudden vacancies do not hamper Parliament’s legislative agenda or constitutional authority.

Conclusion

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation as Vice-President underlines both the fragility and resilience of constitutional offices. While his decision may be personal and medically motivated, it calls for institutional introspection, clarity in succession planning, and greater transparency in public life. As India navigates this development during a critical parliamentary session, maintaining procedural integrity and public confidence in high offices is paramount.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Question: Discuss the constitutional provisions related to the resignation of the Vice-President of India. In light of Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation, critically analyse the implications of such mid-term vacancies in constitutional offices on parliamentary functioning and institutional stability. 

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION