Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution Explained: Why Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigned as Vice President
On July 21, 2025, India witnessed a surprising political development—Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar submitted his resignation, citing health reasons, under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution. His resignation letter, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, made his exit official.
This article breaks down what Article 67(a) is, how the Vice President can resign, and what happens next—all in a simple, eco-friendly format for easy understanding.
What is Article 67(a) of the Constitution?
Article 67 of the Indian Constitution outlines the term, resignation, and removal of the Vice President of India.
Clause (a) of this article says:
“A Vice‑President may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office.”
This means the Vice President can resign at any time simply by writing a letter to the President. No approval from Parliament or the Rajya Sabha is required. The resignation becomes effective immediately once it is received by the President.
This clause ensures a quick and smooth transition, with minimal bureaucratic delay.
Why Did Jagdeep Dhankhar Resign?
In his letter, Jagdeep Dhankhar stated:
“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign … effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a).”
The official reason given is health concerns. However, media and political experts suggest there could be deeper political tensions behind the decision. Some reports speculate differences with leadership or discomfort over certain parliamentary matters.
Whatever the true reason, Dhankhar’s resignation marks only the third time in Indian history that a Vice President has stepped down before completing the full five-year term.
How Rare Is a Mid-Term Resignation?
Very rare.
Only two other Vice Presidents in Indian history have resigned mid-term:
- V. V. Giri in 1969, to contest Presidential elections
- R. Venkataraman, also in 1969, to become President later
With Jagdeep Dhankhar’s exit, he becomes the third Vice President to do so, making this a historic moment.
What Happens After the Resignation?
Once the resignation is accepted, here’s what happens:
1. Vacancy of Office
The Vice President’s position becomes officially vacant. His duties as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha are taken over temporarily.
2. Rajya Sabha Leadership
The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha assumes the role of Presiding Officer until a new Vice President is elected.
3. Election of a New Vice President
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for holding a new election as soon as possible. The Electoral College, made up of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), votes to elect the next Vice President.
4. New Term Begins
The new Vice President begins a fresh five-year term, regardless of the time left in the predecessor’s tenure.
Why Article 67(a) Matters
Article 67(a) is designed to ensure simplicity and transparency. It:
- Protects the Vice President’s personal freedom
- Removes political complications from a personal decision
- Keeps the Constitutional process clear and quick
This mechanism reflects India’s democratic flexibility, where the highest offices remain accessible and accountable.
Summary Table: What You Need to Know
| Provision | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Article 67 | Sets a 5-year term for the Vice President |
| Article 67(a) | Allows resignation through a written letter to the President |
| Resignation Effect | Immediate upon receipt—no approval needed |
| Who Leads Rajya Sabha | Deputy Chairman steps in temporarily |
| New VP Election | Conducted by ECI via Electoral College from both Houses of Parliament |
| New VP Term | Full 5-year term starts from date of election |
An Eco-Friendly Takeaway
In the spirit of eco-conscious reporting, let’s highlight the simplicity and efficiency of India’s democratic processes. Article 67(a) shows us that:
- Good governance includes providing clear exit options
- Sustainability applies not only to the environment, but also to leadership structures
- A clean transition, without chaos or waste, reflects the true strength of democracy
Final Thoughts
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation under Article 67(a) was unexpected, but constitutionally sound. It opens the path for a new Vice President to emerge while showcasing the maturity of India’s democratic institutions.
As the Election Commission gears up for a fresh poll, all eyes are now on who will be the next face in the Vice President’s seat.
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For updates on the Vice Presidential election, profiles of top contenders, and what it means for Indian politics—stay tuned to our platform!
