New Delhi: In a surprising political development, Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has stepped down from office, citing health concerns and the need to adhere to medical recommendations. His resignation, tendered under Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, was formally submitted to the President of India, marking an early conclusion to a tenure that began in August 2022.

In his resignation letter, Dhankhar expressed deep appreciation to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Council of Ministers for the trust and support he received during his time in office. Though brief, his tenure was marked by outspoken views on judicial reform, federal power, and the roles of constitutional authorities placing him at the heart of some of the most vigorous institutional debates in recent memory.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, before entering high office, was a seasoned Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court and had previously served in various legal and political roles, including as a Union Minister and Member of Parliament. His appointment as the 14th Vice President of India and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on August 11, 2022, followed his impactful stint as the Governor of West Bengal from 2019 to 2022 a period marked by frequent clashes with the state government.

During his time as Vice President, Dhankhar emerged as a staunch advocate of Parliamentary supremacy, often questioning what he perceived as judicial overreach. He made headlines by publicly challenging the Basic Structure Doctrine, a cornerstone of constitutional interpretation in India that limits Parliament’s power to amend fundamental features of the Constitution.

Dhankhar’s critique of the collegium system the judicial mechanism for appointing judges also drew sharp responses from sitting and retired members of the judiciary. He argued for greater transparency and democratic accountability in the appointment process, aligning with voices within the executive who have long questioned the opacity of judicial selections.

In recent months, Dhankhar's constitutional interpretations became even more confrontational. He criticized the Supreme Court's directive that imposed timelines for the President and Governors to act upon Bills passed by state legislatures arguing that such directions intruded upon the powers of constitutional authorities.

In one of his most controversial remarks, he referred to the judiciary’s use of Article 142 which allows the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary for doing “complete justice” as a "judicial nuclear missile." The comment drew widespread scrutiny from legal experts and jurists, many of whom viewed it as an escalation in the long-standing executive-judiciary friction.

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation leaves a vacancy in one of the country’s highest constitutional offices, potentially prompting a new phase of recalibration between the judiciary and the legislature. While his decision is rooted in health-related concerns, the timing and context carry political significance especially at a time when the balance between institutional powers remains a central issue in India's democratic discourse.

As tributes pour in from across party lines, Dhankhar’s legacy is likely to be debated for years to come not only for the positions he held, but for the constitutional debates he dared to ignite. His departure marks the end of a turbulent yet transformative phase in India’s constitutional narrative.