Why He Resigned: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Exit and the Constitutional Ethics Debate
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 23 July 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 23 July 2025
| Topic: GS2 (Polity & Governance, Constitution, Parliamentary System, Political Ethics), GS4 (Ethics in Public Administration), GS3 (Governance & Impact of Leadership), GS1 (Institutions in Modern Society) |
| Context |
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Introduction
- The abrupt resignation of India’s Vice President—a constitutional position second only to the President and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha—sparks critical discourse on democratic accountability, the moral obligations of office-bearers, and the integrity of parliamentary institutions.
Constitutional Role & Significance
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Constitutional Position: The Vice President, under Article 63, is pivotal to the smooth functioning of Parliament, especially as the Rajya Sabha’s presiding officer.
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Responsibilities: Upholding decorum, steering legislative debate, ensuring neutrality, and stepping in as Acting President if needed.
Constitutional & Ethical Expectations
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Impartiality & Morality: Holders of top constitutional offices must uphold non-partisanship and act above political maneuvering, anchoring democracy in moral conduct.
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Transparency & Accountability: The public deserves clarity regarding major decisions affecting constitutional continuity; mere formal resignation without explanation can foster mistrust.
Impact on Governance & Democracy
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Disruption in Parliamentary Functioning: The Vice President’s resignation brings uncertainty and possible stagnation in the Rajya Sabha, affecting legislative business and checks and balances.
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Setting Precedents: How such unexpected exits are handled shapes future conventions and the integrity of constitutional roles.
Importance of Public Communication
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Upholding Trust: Open, clear communication after major decisions (like resignations) reinforces democratic transparency and public faith in institutions.
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Ethical Duty: Office-bearers’ silence or ambiguity can undermine institutional credibility; forthright disclosure is essential for hallmarks of good governance.
Lessons for UPSC and Future Civil Servants
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Beyond Written Law: Constitutional offices require moral leadership, not just technical adherence to statutes.
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Constitutional Morality: Future administrators must embrace transparency, public justification, and awareness of the broader impact of their actions.
Conclusion / Way Forward
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Constitutional posts demand, above all, legitimacy through both law and public ethics.
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Strengthening frameworks for communication, transparency, and ethical accountability is vital to preserving democratic values.
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Legal or procedural reforms—such as requiring public statements for high-level resignations—could reinforce trust in the highest echelons of governance.
Key Dimensions of Vice President’s Resignation
| Dimension | Editorial Insights |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Role | Upholds Rajya Sabha decorum; supports parliamentary functioning |
| Ethical Responsibility | Implies transparency, non-partisanship, proactive communication |
| Democratic Implications | Sudden resignations can destabilize trust and weaken checks & balances |
| Lessons for Civil Service | Highlights need for constitutional morality, ethical leadership, institutional trust |
Conclusion / Way Forward
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Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation as Vice President has shocked political circles and highlighted the delicate balance in constitutional offices.
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While health reasons were officially cited, speculation about deeper political disagreements and governance challenges persists.
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The Vice President’s role as Rajya Sabha Chair is vital for parliamentary stability, and such abrupt exits underscore risks to democratic functioning.
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Transparency and communication from high constitutional functionaries are essential to maintain public trust and institutional credibility.
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The incident emphasizes the need for ethical leadership and adherence to constitutional morality in high offices.
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For UPSC aspirants, this case underlines how political dynamics, constitutional roles, and ethics intersect in India’s democratic governance.
| Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) The resignation of a high constitutional functionary, such as the Vice President, highlights the role of accountability and ethics in Indian democracy. Discuss the constitutional and ethical expectations from such offices, the importance of public communication, and suggest measures to improve transparency and accountability at the apex of governance. |
