Actual Article
Article 89: The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Council of States
- Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
- The Vice-President of India shall be ex officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
- Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha:
- The Council of States shall, as soon as may be, choose a member of the Council to be Deputy Chairman thereof and, so often as the office of Deputy Chairman becomes vacant, the Council shall choose another member to be Deputy Chairman.
UPSC Notes for Article 89
Explanation:
- Ex officio Chairman: The Vice-President of India automatically becomes the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring a high-ranking official presides over the sessions.
- Election of Deputy Chairman: The Rajya Sabha elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members to assist and act in the absence of the Chairman.
Key Points:
- Role of Chairman: The Vice-President, as Chairman, presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha, maintaining order and ensuring the smooth conduct of business.
- Role of Deputy Chairman: The Deputy Chairman assists the Chairman and presides over the sessions in their absence, ensuring continuity in parliamentary proceedings.
- Internal Election: The Deputy Chairman is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the democratic principles within the House.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 89
Cases:
- R.K. Jain vs. Union of India (1993): This case highlighted the procedural aspects of the Rajya Sabha and the roles of its presiding officers, indirectly touching upon the significance of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan vs. Speaker, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly (2020): Although related to a state assembly, this case discussed the roles and responsibilities of presiding officers, providing insights into similar functions in the Rajya Sabha.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Analyzed Centre-State relations and discussed the roles of the Vice-President and the Deputy Chairman in maintaining the legislative process in the Rajya Sabha.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Suggested improvements for the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, including the roles of its presiding officers.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 89
- (UPSC Prelims 2017) Who is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
- A. President
- B. Prime Minister
- C. Vice-President
- D. Chief Justice of India Correct Answer: C. Vice-President
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is:
- A. Appointed by the President
- B. Elected by the members of Rajya Sabha
- C. Nominated by the Prime Minister
- D. Selected by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha Correct Answer: B. Elected by the members of Rajya Sabha
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 89
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of the Vice-President of India acting as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. How does this dual role contribute to the functioning of the Rajya Sabha?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the role of the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in the legislative process. How does the election of the Deputy Chairman ensure democratic functioning within the House?”
Additional Insights:
- Dual Role of Vice-President: The Vice-President’s role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha bridges the executive and legislative branches, ensuring a high level of coordination and oversight.
- Continuity and Order: The Deputy Chairman’s role is crucial in maintaining continuity and order in the absence of the Chairman, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are not disrupted.
- Democratic Election: The election of the Deputy Chairman by Rajya Sabha members reinforces democratic principles and ensures that the position is held by a member trusted by the House.
Understanding Article 89 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the roles and responsibilities of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework and the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy.