Context:

• Harivansh Narayan Singh has been elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the third consecutive term.

Key Points:

• Unopposed Election: He was elected unanimously as no opposition candidate was fielded.
• Proposal: The Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Jagat Prakash Nadda, moved the motion for his name, which was adopted by the House through a voice vote.
• Nomination as Member: His previous term ended on 9 April 2026. Thereafter, the President Droupadi Murmu nominated him to the Rajya Sabha against the vacancy caused by the retirement of former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
• Prime Minister’s Congratulations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, stating that being elected for the third consecutive term reflects the deep trust of the House in him.
• Tenure: His third term as Deputy Chairman will continue till 2032.
• He was first elected as Deputy Chairman in 2018 and has been serving in this role since then.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha: Constitutional Position and Functions

Article 89:

• Article 89(1): The Vice-President of India acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Article 89(2): The Rajya Sabha elects one of its members as the Deputy Chairman. Whenever the office falls vacant, the House elects another member.

Article 90:

• Vacation of Office: If the Deputy Chairman ceases to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, the office becomes vacant.
• Resignation: He may resign by writing to the Chairman.
• Removal: He may be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha, with a prior notice of 14 days.

Article 91:

• When Office of Chairman is Vacant: The Deputy Chairman performs the duties of the Chairman if the office is vacant or if the Vice-President acts as President.
• In Absence of Both: If both Chairman and Deputy Chairman are absent, a member appointed by the President performs the duties.

Article 92:

• Restriction on Presiding: When a resolution for removal of the Chairman or Deputy Chairman is under consideration, they shall not preside.
• Right to Speak: The Chairman can participate and speak but cannot exercise a casting vote.

Role and Functions:

• The Deputy Chairman presides over the House in the absence of the Chairman and enjoys all powers and privileges during that period.
• Casting Vote: He does not vote in the first instance but can exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.
• Independent Position: The office is independent and not subordinate to the Chairman; it is directly accountable to the Rajya Sabha.
• As a Member: When not presiding, he functions as a normal member and can participate in debates and voting.

Vacancy and Resignation:

The office may fall vacant under three conditions:

• If he ceases to be a member of the Rajya Sabha.
• If he resigns by addressing the Chairman in writing.
• If removed by a resolution of the House.
• Removal Process: Requires an effective majority of all the then members with 14 days’ prior notice.
• Restriction on Presiding: During consideration of a removal motion, he cannot preside but can participate.

Salary and Allowances:

• Determined by Parliament by law.
• Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (not subject to vote in Parliament).

Panel of Vice-Chairpersons:

• The Chairman nominates a panel of members.
• Any member from this panel may preside in absence of both Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
• Important: If both offices are vacant, a member appointed by the President discharges the functions (not the panel).

Important Firsts:

• First Deputy Chairman: S. V. Krishnamoorthy Rao (1952–1962).
• First Woman Deputy Chairman: Violet Alva (1962–1969).
• First from Non-Ruling Party: B. D. Khobragade (associated with the Republican Party of India).
• Contested Election: Although usually elected unopposed, the office saw a contest for the first time in 1969.