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INDIAN AND AMERICAN VICEPRESIDENTS COMPARED

Though the office of the Indian VicePresident is modelled on the lines of the American Vice-President, there is a difference. The American Vice-President succeeds to the presidency when it falls vacant, and remains President for the unexpired term of his predecessor. The Indian Vice-President, on the other hand, does not assume the office of the President when it falls vacant for the unexpired term. He merely serves as an acting President until the new President assumes charge.

From the above it is clear that the Constitution has not assigned any significant function to the Vice-President in that capacity. Hence, some scholars call him 'His Superfluous Highness’. This office was created with a view to maintain the political continuity of the Indian State.


Table 18.2 Articles Related to Vice-President at a Glance


Article No. Subject-matter

63. The Vice-President of India

64. The Vice-President to be ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States

65. The Vice-President to act as President or to discharge his functions during casual vacancies in the office, or during the absence, of President

66. Election of Vice-President

67. Term of office of Vice-President

68. Time of holding election to fill vacancy in the office of Vice-President and the term of office of person elected to fill casual vacancy

69. Oath or affirmation by the Vice-President

70. Discharge of President’s functions in other contingencies

71. Matters relating to, or connected with, the election of Vice-President