Introduction:
Article 64 of the Indian Constitution designates the Vice President as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, entrusting him with the guardianship of the House’s prestige and dignity, along with the responsibility of presiding over its sessions.
Body:
Roles Performed by the Vice President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
- Principal Spokesman of the House: The Chairman represents the collective voice of the Rajya Sabha.
- Casting Vote: The Vice President, as the presiding officer, exercises a casting vote in case of tied votes, excluding resolutions concerning his removal from office.
- Powers and Duties: The Chairman has the authority to adjourn the House, suspend sittings for a lack of quorum, and adjudicate on Anti-defection law cases.
- Powers under Rules of Procedure: Various powers are conferred upon the Vice President regarding House proceedings and Parliamentary Committees.
- Maintaining Order: The Chairman wields disciplinary powers, ensuring order by addressing irrelevant speeches and unwarranted remarks.
- Bills in Rajya Sabha: The Chairman corrects errors in bills post-passage and makes consequential changes from accepted amendments.
- Rajya Sabha Secretariat: As the guardian of the House’s prestige, the Chairman ensures members’ rights and reasonable amenities.
- Final Interpreter of Constitution and Rules: The Vice President holds the final authority to interpret the Constitution and rules related to the House, preventing disputes.
- Legal Duties: Certain statutes confer duties, such as constituting a committee for the removal of a Judge under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, of 1968.
Conclusion:
The Chairman’s pivotal role in the Rajya Sabha has significantly contributed to enriching parliamentary traditions and establishing the House as a vital federal chamber. Its role in social engineering and as a proficient debating house reflects the influence of Vice-Presidents throughout the years.
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