Q. With reference to the comparison between the office of President and Vice-President, consider the following statements:
1. The qualification required to be elected to the office of Vice-President is exactly the same as that of President.
2. The oath or affirmation of the VicePresident is different from that of President.
3. Though there is specific term of office for the President, there is no term mentioned for the Vice-President.
4. While formal impeachment process is required for the removal of President, no such requirement is mandatory for Vice-President.
How many statements given above are correct?
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The qualification required for the election of Vice-President is not similar to that of President. To be eligible for election as Vice-President, a person should be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, a person to be eligible for election as President should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha. The common qualifications need for both are:
- He should be a citizen of India.
- He should have completed 35 years of age.
- He should not hold any office of profit under the Union government or any state government or any local authority or any other public authority.
Statement 2 is correct: The oath or affirmation of the VicePresident is indeed different from that of President. Before entering upon his office, the President swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law (no such requirement in case of Vice- President). Before entering upon his office, the Vice-President swears:
- to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India;
- and to faithfully discharge the duties of his office. Before entering upon his office, the President swears:
- to faithfully execute the office;
- to devote himself to the service and well-being of the people of India
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Vice-President holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. However, he can resign from his office at any time by addressing the resignation letter to the President
Similarly, the President holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. However, he can resign from his office at any time by addressing the resignation letter to the Vice-President.
Statement 4 is correct: A formal impeachment is not required for the removal of the Vice-President. He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. This means that this resolution should be passed in the Rajya Sabha by an effective majority and in the Lok Sabha by a simple majority. A President can only be removed from his office by the process of impeachment on the ground of ‘violation of the Constitution’.
