Question

What is the normal term of office of the Vice-President?

Answer 1

Hint: Article 67 of the Indian Constitution deals with the term of office of the Vice-President. The Vice-President of India occupies the highest office in the country after the President of India

Complete Answer:
The Vice-President holds office for a period of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. Before entering upon his office, the Vice-President has to make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation in which he or she swears to lead with true faith to the constitution and to execute his duties faithfully. The Vice-President just like the President is not elected directly by the people but by the members of an electoral college consisting of both the upper and the lower houses of the Parliament. The Vice-President can also resign from his office at any time by addressing his resignation letter to the President. He can also be removed from the office before the completion of his term. For the removal of the Vice-President, a formal impeachment is not required. However, he can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority and agreed by the Lok Sabha. This can however happen only after giving an advance notice period of 14 days before taking this step. The Vice-President can continue to hold the office extending his term of five years until his successor assumes charge. He is also eligible to get re-elected to that office which means that he can be elected any number of times.

Note: The office of the Vice-President of India is similar to that of the American Vice-President. He acts as the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha and he also takes the role of the President when a vacancy arises due to cases such as resignation, removal, death, or otherwise.