Sources say by accepting an Opposition-sponsored notice to remove a judge after a massive cash recovery from his home, Jagdeep Dhankhar in a way scuttled the BJP-led Centre’s plan to target corruption in the judiciary, thus leading to his shocking resignation on Monday
India will be getting its new Vice President “soon,” sources in know of developments said, adding that the Election Commission (EC) will initiate the process to elect the next person who to succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar who resigned from the post on Monday
However, there is no official word yet, either on when the process will officially begin or who will be the ruling BJP-led NDA candidate, according to the Constitution says in case a vice president dies in office or resigns or is removed, the poll to elect the next person to the office should be held “as soon as possible”
Intrigue
Intrigue surrounding Dhankar, who resigned citing health grounds, continues
Sources say by accepting an Opposition-sponsored notice to remove a judge after a massive cash recovery from his home, Dhankhar in a way scuttled the BJP-led Centre’s plan to target corruption in the judiciary, thus leading to his shocking resignation on Monday
Congress’ decision to move the motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma in the Rajya Sabha was set rolling on July 15 at its Parliamentary strategy meeting, where the grand old party took a call that the government should not be allowed to walk away with the credit of uncovering the alleged corruption in the judiciary.
In fact, the Vice-President’s Office on July 15 posted a 44-second video of Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge paying Dhankhar a visit at the V-P Enclave. And just a day before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Dhankhar also met Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal at his residence and posted pictures of this meeting.
Kejriwal is not even an MP.
The process
The Home Ministry on Tuesday officially notified Dhankhar’s resignation, thereby bringing in the motion to hold the election for his successor.
The next vice president will get a full five-year term in office, according to constitutional provisions.
According to Article 68(2) of the Constitution, “an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice-President occurring by reason of his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise shall be held as soon as possible”.
“The person elected to fill the vacancy shall, subject to the provisions of Article 67, be entitled to hold office for the full term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office,” it also adds.
From the day the notification is issued, “calling the electoral college to vote” and till the day of the poll, a period of 30 days is stipulated. The person has to be the citizen of India, should have completed 35 years of age and qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. A person is not eligible if he holds any office of profit under the government of India or a state government or any subordinate local authority.
