Context:
With the term of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh ending, uncertainty remains over the successor and whether the post will be filled.
1. Constitutional Basis — Article 89
• Rajya Sabha shall have Chairman (Vice-President) + Deputy Chairman (from among members).
2. Appointment — Article 89
• Elected by Rajya Sabha from among its members (Rules of Procedure; majority of members present & voting).
3. Tenure / Resignation / Removal — Article 90
• Tenure: till ceases to be RS member.
• Resignation: to Chairman.
• Removal: RS resolution (majority of all then members; 14-day notice).
4. Functions — Article 91
• Acts as Chairman when VP’s office vacant or Chairman absent.
5. Is Office Mandatory?
• RS “shall choose” Deputy Chairman (Art. 89) → constitutionally envisaged.
• No time-limit for election → vacancy can exist temporarily (unlike President/VP).
