Art. 65 Part V: The Union

The Vice-President to Act as President or to Discharge His Functions During Casual Vacancies in the Office, or During the Absence, of President

Exact text — Constitution of India

(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... 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...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article specifies exactly when and how the Vice-President steps into the President's shoes — for a genuine vacancy (death, resignation, removal), the Vice-President ACTS AS President until a new one is elected; for a temporary absence or illness, they simply DISCHARGE the President's functions until the President returns. Either way, they gain the full powers and immunities of the presidency during that period.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is the constitutional continuity mechanism ensuring India's head-of-state functions never simply stop — whether the gap is a brief illness or a genuine unexpected vacancy, the Vice-President seamlessly and automatically covers the role.

Read alongside this one

Art. 62 — Time of Holding Election to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of President

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 65

Has a Vice-President ever actually had to act as President in India's history?

Yes — this has happened on a few occasions in Indian history, when sitting Presidents died in office or otherwise couldn't complete their term, with the Vice-President stepping in as required by this Article.

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The text above reproduces Article 65 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.