22 July 2025: The Hindu Editorial

1. Dhankhar Submits His Resignation to President

Source –  Page 4, The Hindu Delhi Edition

Topic: GS2: Constitutional Posts, Parliament and State Legislatures

Context

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post citing health reasons, with two years left for his term to complete.

Constitutional Background

• The Vice-President of India is the second highest constitutional office and acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

• Resignation is governed by Article 67(a) of the Constitution.

• The resignation has to be addressed to the President of India.

Recent Development

• Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned effective immediately citing health reasons.

• He was elected as India’s 14th Vice-President in August 2022.

• The announcement surprised leaders as he participated in the Monsoon Session earlier the same day.

Analytical Points

• The incident highlights the protocols and procedures regarding constitutional offices.

• Focuses attention on succession and political dynamics following a sudden vacancy.

• The Vice-President’s role in Parliament, especially during critical sessions, is under discussion.

Conclusion / Way Forward

• Timely and transparent procedure for filling the vacancy is critical to maintain legislative continuity.

• This event underscores the need for constitutional literacy regarding resignation and succession for top posts.

Practice Question: “Discuss the constitutional provisions regarding the resignation of the Vice-President of India. Analyze the importance of this office in the Indian political and legislative setup.

2. Exclusion from Rolls under SIR Won’t Affect Citizenship, EC Tells SC

Source -Page 6, The Hindu Delhi Edition

Topic: GS2: Representation of People’s Act, Election Commission, Issues Relating to Citizenship

Context

The Election Commission clarified to the Supreme Court that a person found ineligible for electoral rolls under Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar does not lose their citizenship rights.

Key Issues

• Allegations were made that SIR acted as “citizenship screening,” causing disenfranchisement.

• The EC clarified: exclusion from electoral rolls does not imply loss of citizenship.

• EC can request proof of citizenship as part of the right to vote process.

Salient Features of RPA & Electoral Law

• RPA 1950 and 1951 govern voter registration, eligibility, and removal.

• Article 326: Adult suffrage for all citizens, subject to regulations.

• The law protects against arbitrary deletion and mandates due process.

Broader Implications

• The move reassures millions in Bihar and potentially other states regarding their citizenship.

• It also highlights the balance between electoral roll maintenance and citizens’ rights.

Way Forward

• Transparent guidelines and grievance redressal for those affected.

• Greater awareness and legal literacy regarding electoral and citizenship rights is needed.

Practice Question: The right to vote in India is not synonymous with citizenship. Examine the statutory and constitutional provisions related to voting rights in India. Why is the distinction crucial?

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