Legislative Powers of Vice President


According to Article 63, India must have a vice president. The Vice President serves as the Ex-Officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (or the Council of States or Upper House). This constitutional position is endowed with a number of duties and authorities. In the event of any emergencies, he even performs the President's duties. After the President, the vice president holds the highest constitutional position in India. A five-year term is granted to the Vice President, who is chosen by an electoral college made up of representatives from both houses of the Parliament.

Legislative Powers of the Vice-president

Despite being mostly ceremonial, the vice president of India does hold a number of significant legislative powers. These include the authority to cast the deciding vote in a tie-breaking situation, to preside over joint sessions of Parliament, to choose which bills and motions are brought up for discussion, to choose who joins parliamentary committees, to draw attention to crucial issues and start discussions, and to make sure that proper parliamentary procedures are followed. These abilities contribute to making sure that all citizens' interests and concerns are taken into account during India's legislative process, which is fair, transparent, and effective.

Despite all the facts, following are some of the legislative powers of the Vice-President −

  • As the Chairman of Upper House, vice president is the recipient of communications from the President to the House. When the Chairman receives a message from the President, whether it be regarding a Bill that is currently before Parliament or for some other reason, he reads it to the House and provides any necessary instructions regarding the procedure to be followed for the consideration of the matters referred to in the message, and in doing so, he may suspend or vary the rules to the extent that may be necessary.

  • After a motion has been presented and approved by the House, messages to the President are made through the Chairman in the form of an official address. For instance, the Chairman delivers the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address to the two Houses of Parliament gathered together to the President once it has been approved by the House.

  • The Chairman informs the relevant authorities of the House's decisions and demands that they adhere to those decisions' terms in his capacity as the body's public face. In the same manner, he conveys to the House letters and papers addressed to him in his capacity as Chairman, including those pertaining to the rights and privileges of the House and its members. The Chairman also conveys messages from foreign legislatures and governments. When required, he also issues warrants to carry out the House's directives.

  • The capacity to cast the deciding vote in a tie-breaking situation is one of the most important of these abilities. This is a significant duty since it enables the vice president to resolve impasses and make sure that legislation is passed as needed.

  • Additionally, the Vice President has the authority to preside over joint sessions of the Indian Parliament that are summoned by the President. The Vice President has the power to control these meetings and make sure that everything is done in a timely manner.

  • The vice president is also charged with a number of additional significant legislative duties in addition to these. For instance, the Vice President is in charge of selecting the bills and motions that the Rajya Sabha will discuss. This is a big responsibility because it gives the vice president the power to influence the upper house of parliament's legislative agenda.

  • Disqualifying Members: The Vice President, in his/her capacity as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, if need arises, has the power to disqualify members on the grounds of defection or other disqualifications as defined under the Constitution.

  • The Vice President has the authority to choose people to serve on numerous legislative or parliamentary committees. These committees are in charge of researching and analyzing proposed legislation as well as other significant topics, and they are essential to the legislative process. The Vice President can contribute to ensuring that these committees are staffed with capable and knowledgeable people who are appropriate for their particular duties by appointing members to them.

  • The Vice President's capacity to draw attention to crucial issues and start conversations in the Rajya Sabha is a crucial legislative power. The Vice President can utilize this authority to highlight important topics and concerns and to influence the legislative agenda of the upper house of Parliament.

  • The Vice President is in charge of making sure that the Rajya Sabha's rules and procedures are upheld as well as parliamentary protocol. This is a significant duty because it ensures that the legislative process is fair and open and that all Rajya Sabha members have a full opportunity to participate.

Conclusion

As discussed above, the Vice President of India is a significant constitutional office, they do have noticeable legislative powers under the Indian Constitution. Their primary responsibilities are to preside over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha and to perform other duties as assigned to them by the Constitution or the President of India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who elects the Vice-President of India?

Ans. The members of an electoral college made up of representatives from both Houses of Parliament elect the vice president.

Q2. What is the procedure for the removal of the Vice-President?

Ans. By a decision of the Council of States passed with the support of the House of the People and a majority of all Council members, the Vice-President may be dismissed from his position. However, a minimum of fourteen days' notice of the intention to move the resolution must be submitted before it can be moved.

Q3. What are the qualifications for election as Vice-President?

Ans. A person must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and eligible for election to the Council of States in order to be eligible to run for vice president. If a person maintains a position of profit under a local or other authority that is under the control of one of the aforementioned Governments, they need to resign first.

Updated on: 13-Apr-2023

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