Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation

What is Article 67(a)?

Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution allows the Vice President of India to resign from office at any time by submitting a written resignation to the President of India.

This article is part of the broader Article 67, which governs the conditions under which the office of the Vice President can become vacant.

Resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

• Date of Resignation: July 21, 2025
• Reason: Health concerns and medical advice
• Method: Submitted resignation under Article 67(a) to the President of India
• Statement: “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign … effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”

What Article 67 Covers

• Clause (a): Resignation by submitting a written letter to the President.
• Clause (b): Removal by a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
• Clause (c): Vice President continues in office until successor assumes charge, even beyond the five-year term if necessary.

What Happens After Resignation?

• The resignation becomes effective immediately upon acceptance by the President.
• The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (currently Harivansh Narayan Singh) assumes presiding duties temporarily.
• The Election Commission of India initiates the process for electing a new Vice President.

Significance of the Event

• Jagdeep Dhankhar became only the third Vice President of India to resign mid-term, after V. V. Giri and R. Venkataraman.
• Reinforces the constitutional mechanism allowing dignified exit based on personal or health considerations.
• Highlights the utility of Article 67(a) as the only legal method for voluntary resignation by a Vice President.

Summary Table

References

• Financial Express
• Economic Times
• Live Mint
• NDTV