2022 · GS Paper 2 · Q4 · 10 marks
Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
In short
As ex officio Chairman under Article 64, the Vice-President presides over the Rajya Sabha, keeps order, admits motions, decides defection petitions and guards privileges, voting only to break ties. Article 92 bars him from presiding while his own removal is considered, and the first such notice came in December 2024.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 304 words
Under Article 64, the Vice-President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The role drew scrutiny when the first-ever notice to remove a Chairman was moved in December 2024.
Chairman's Powers in Running the Rajya Sabha
1. Presiding and order: He conducts proceedings and can suspend members under Rule 256, as with eight MPs over the farm Bills in September 2020. 2. Procedural gatekeeper: He decides admissibility of motions, as when Venkaiah Naidu rejected the 2018 notice to remove Chief Justice Dipak Misra. 3. Anti-defection adjudicator: Under the Tenth Schedule he decides disqualification, subject to Kihoto Hollohan (1992), as with Sharad Yadav in 2017. 4. Guardian of the House: He heads the Rules and Business Advisory Committees, controls the Secretariat and refers privilege breaches to the Privileges Committee.
Neutral umpire
Article 100 gives him only a casting vote; S. Radhakrishnan said he belonged to no party and so to every party.
Accountable to the House
Article 92 bars him from presiding while his removal is considered, and Article 67(b) needs fourteen days' notice and Lok Sabha agreement.
Continuity of the Chair
When he acts as President, the Deputy Chairman performs his duties under Article 91.
Neutrality under strain
Walkouts and allegations of partisan rulings show the office's authority rests on perceived impartiality.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.