The Constitution of India
Article 65
The Vice-President to act as President or to discharge his functions during casual vacancies in the office, or during the absence, of President
(1) In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the President by reason of his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise, the Vice-President shall act as President until the date on which a new President elected in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter to fill such vacancy enters upon his office.
(2) When the President is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence, illness or any other cause, the Vice-President shall discharge his functions until the date on which the President resumes his duties.
(3) The Vice-President shall, during, and in respect of, the period while he is so acting as, or discharging the functions of, President, have all the powers and immunities of the President and be entitled to such emoluments, allowances and privileges as may be determined by Parliament by law and, until provision in that behalf is so made, such emoluments, allowances and privileges as are specified in the Second Schedule.
Why this exists
India's Constitution-makers wanted to ensure there is never a gap in the country's highest office. Since the President is the ceremonial and constitutional head of state whose signature and approval are needed for many official acts, any vacuum could disrupt governance. Article 65 borrows from parliamentary democracy principles, ensuring continuity by making the Vice-President—who is already elected by Parliament and understands constitutional processes—the automatic stand-in, whether the vacancy is permanent (death, resignation, removal) or temporary (illness, foreign travel, or other incapacity).
Common misconceptions
- Myth: The Vice-President becomes the permanent President when acting under Article 65.
Fact: The Vice-President only acts temporarily—either until the President recovers/returns, or until a new President is properly elected within the constitutional timeline. - Myth: The Vice-President has reduced powers while acting as President.
Fact: Article 65(3) makes clear that during this period, the Vice-President has all the powers, immunities, and privileges of the President.