The Rajya Sabha will elect its new Deputy Chairman on Friday, April 17, under Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Upper House of Parliament.

Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM, immediately after the papers and reports are laid on the table of the House.

The position has been vacant since Harivansh Narayan Singh’s term ended on April 9. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Harivansh Narayan Singh as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, according to a Gazette notification.

The office of Deputy Chairman is a constitutional requirement under Article 89(2) of the Indian Constitution. While the Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Chairman is elected by the members of the House to perform the duties of the Chair in the Chairman’s absence.

The Deputy Chairman presides over the sittings of the Rajya Sabha when the Chairman is absent, exercising the same powers, including maintenance of order and interpretation of the Rules of Procedure. Although elected as a representative of a political party, the Deputy Chairman is expected to function impartially once in the Chair.

The election follows a specific parliamentary procedure: any member may give notice of a motion proposing another member as Deputy Chairman. This notice must be seconded by a third member and accompanied by a statement from the candidate expressing willingness to serve. Motions are moved in the order received; if a motion is carried, the person named is declared elected and no further motions are voted on. The election is decided by a simple majority of members present and voting.