Understanding the Indian Constitution and Vice President Election

The Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India, providing the framework for political principles, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. It contains various Articles that define the structure and functions of the Union and State governments, including the process for electing key constitutional officeholders like the Vice President of India.

The question asks about the specific Article in the Indian Constitution that lays down the procedure for the election of the Vice President of India. Understanding this Article is crucial for comprehending the constitutional framework governing the second highest office in the country.

Analyzing the Constitutional Article for Vice President Election

Let's examine the options provided and identify which Article deals with the procedure for the election of the Vice President of India.

Article 66: The Core Provision for Vice President Election

Article 66 of the Constitution of India specifically deals with the election of the Vice President. It prescribes the method and the electoral college responsible for electing the Vice President.

• Electoral College: Article 66(1) states that the Vice President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament. This means both elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha participate in the election.
• Method of Election: The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
• Voting: The voting in such election is by secret ballot.

Thus, Article 66 is the definitive article outlining the procedure for the Vice President Election.

Examining Incorrect Options: Articles 36, 56, 46

Let's briefly look at what the other articles generally cover to confirm why they are not related to the Vice President's election procedure:

• Article 36: This Article is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) and provides the definition of the 'State' for the purpose of this part. It has no connection to the election procedure of the Vice President.
• Article 56: This Article is part of the Union Executive (Part V) and deals with the term of office of the President of India. While it is related to a high constitutional office, it concerns the President's term, not the Vice President's election procedure.
• Article 46: This Article is also part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV). It concerns the promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections. It is unrelated to the election process of the Vice President.

Based on this analysis, it is clear that Article 66 is the correct answer as it explicitly details the procedure for the election of the Vice President of India.

Revision Table: Key Articles on Vice President and Elections

Here is a summary of some important Articles related to the Vice President and election processes in the Indian Constitution:

Additional Information on Vice President of India and Election

The Vice President is the second highest constitutional office in India. The Vice President performs several important functions:

• Serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• Acting as the President in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President due to death, resignation, impeachment, or other causes. The Vice President can act as President for a maximum period of six months, within which a new President must be elected.
• Discharging the functions of the President when the President is unable to do so due to absence, illness, or any other cause.

The qualifications required for a person to be elected as Vice President are:

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must have completed the age of 35 years.
• Must be qualified for election as a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
• Must not hold any office of profit under the Union or State government or any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said Governments.

The electoral college for the Vice President's election differs from that of the President's election. While the President is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and the Union Territories, the Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising all members (elected and nominated) of both Houses of Parliament only.