Editorial: Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation as Vice‑President is a setback for parliamentary democracy
🟡 Introduction & Context
On 21 July 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down as India’s Vice-President and ex officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, citing health reasons—well before completing his 2022–27 term . This resignation, timed just as the Monsoon Session began, has triggered intense speculation, with commentators warning it undermines parliamentary norms and reflects deeper institutional tension.
🔵 Constitutional Context
Article 63–67: Establishes the office of the Vice‑President.
Article 67(A): Allows resignation from the office
Role of Vice-President: Acts as the ex officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, presiding over sessions and upholding legislative decorum.
Checks & Balances: His resignation amid a confrontation with the government signals stress in constitutional machinery meant to preserve parliamentary independence.
🟢 Key Points from Editorial
Sudden Exit during Monsoon Session
Resignation came hours after receiving an opposition motion against Justice Yashwant Varma—both surprising and atypical YouTube+7www.ndtv.com+7www.ndtv.com+7.Clash with Government Strategy
Sources suggest Dhankhar accepted the notice without consulting the Union government, leading to political backlash The HansVulnerability of Parliamentary Independence
The move indicates possible interference in the Chairman’s domain and raises concerns about the sanctity of legislative procedures.Changing Political Allegiances
Opposition’s response—ranging from past criticism to sudden praise—illustrates political opportunism, while government’s silence adds to opacityInstitutional Precedent
Dhankhar is only the third Vice-President to resign mid‑term. The suddenness may set an unsettling precedent for future vice-presidential conduct.Call for Transparency
Editorial urges Dhankhar to clarify reasons publicly—underscoring ethical standards expected of high constitutional figures
📚 Vocabulary: English – Hindi
| English Word | हिंदी मतलब |
|---|---|
| Resignation | इस्तीफा |
| Opacity | अस्पष्टता/पारदर्शिता की कमी |
| Impetuous | लालची, जल्दबाज़ |
| Norms | मान्यताएँ/नियम |
| Parliamentary democracy | संसदीय लोकतंत्र |
🎯 8 MCQs for UPSC/SSC/UPPSC/RRB
Which constitutional article allows the Vice-President to resign?
A. Article 62
B. Article 67(A) ✅
C. Article 72
D. Article 79What ex officio role does the Vice-President hold?
A. Speaker, Lok Sabha
B. Leader of Opposition
C. Chairman, Rajya Sabha ✅
D. NoneJagdeep Dhankhar resigned during which parliamentary session?
A. Budget Session
B. Winter Session
C. Monsoon Session ✅
D. Special SessionHis sudden resignation followed his acceptance of a motion on which Judge?
A. Justice Yashwant Varma ✅
B. Justice DY Chandrachud
C. Justice KM Joseph
D. Justice Surya KantWhy does the editorial view his exit as a setback?
A. It weakens the President’s authority
B. It increases executive supremacy in Parliament ✅
C. It fosters coalition instability
D. It reduces legislative efficiencyWhich institution’s doctrine is indirectly affected by this change?
A. Basic Structure doctrine
B. Doctrine of Harmonious Construction
C. Parliamentary sovereignty and checks & balances ✅
D. Doctrine of EclipseOnly three Vice-Presidents have resigned mid‑term. What does this imply?
A. It is unconstitutional
B. It sets a rare but impactful precedent ✅
C. It leads to judicial review
D. It triggers automatic impeachmentWhich value does the editorial emphasize needing transparency and public clarification?
A. Collective leadership
B. Ethical accountability ✅
C. Party loyalty
D. Policy continuity
🧠 Exam Relevance
Polity & Governance (GS II): Explores constitutional conventions, roles and powers of Vice-President, and parliamentary democracy.
Ethics (GS IV): Raises questions about institutional transparency, norms, and leadership conduct.
Current Affairs: Highlights subtle inter-institutional friction during parliamentary sessions.
The Hindu Editorial Analysis 11 July 2025 – Key Notes & MCQs for UPSC & SSC (11 July 2025)
The Hindu PDF News Analysis Notes | The Hindu PDF Download 21 July 2025 | English And Hindi
The Hindu PDF News Analysis Notes | The Hindu PDF Download 2024
