The Vice President of India
The Vice President of India is a crucial figure in the Indian parliamentary system, serving a term of five years. They are elected not directly by popular vote but through an electoral college that excludes members of state legislatures. Among their key functions, the Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament) and can take over the presidential role in cases of vacancy due to death, resignation, or removal of the President until a new President is elected.
The Vice President's ability to preside over the Rajya Sabha includes maintaining order and decorum during sessions, which is vital for the smooth operation of parliamentary proceedings. The processes for removal of the Vice President involve a resolution passed by a majority in the Rajya Sabha, which must also receive approval from the Lok Sabha. This ensures that the Vice President remains accountable to the legislature, reinforcing the principles of parliamentary democracy.