UPSC CSE Prelims
Governor Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Governor with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Consider the following statements:
I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a State acts in his/her own discretion.
II. The President of India can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration without it being forwarded by the Governor of the State concerned.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement I is Correct
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The Constitution explicitly provides situations where the Governor can act in his/her discretion.
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Article 163(2) states that if any question arises regarding the Governor's discretionary powers, the Governor's decision shall be final.
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Examples include reserving certain bills for the President and decisions in specific political situations.
❌ Statement II is Incorrect
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The President cannot directly reserve a State Bill for consideration.
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A State Bill reaches the President only when the Governor reserves it under Article 200.
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Therefore, the President cannot act suo motu (on his/her own) in this matter.
Therefore, only Statement I is correct.
📝 Short Notes: Governor's Discretionary Powers
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Article 163 | Governor can act in discretion in specified matters |
| Article 200 | Governor may reserve a State Bill for President |
| Hung Assembly | Governor may exercise discretion in inviting a CM |
| President's Role | Acts only after bill is reserved by Governor |
Key Fact:
Unlike the President, whose discretionary powers are very limited, the Governor enjoys certain constitutional discretionary powers, especially in Centre-State relations.
With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements:
I. The Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office.
II. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office.
III. Members of a State Legislature are not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said within the House.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement I is Correct: Under Article 361(1), the Governor is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of the office.
✅ Statement II is Correct: As per Article 361(2), no criminal proceedings can be instituted or continued against a Governor during the term of office.
✅ Statement III is Correct: Under Article 194(2), Members of a State Legislature enjoy freedom of speech in the House and cannot be taken to court for anything said or any vote given in the Legislature.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.
📝 Short Notes: Constitutional Immunities & Privileges
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Article 361(1) | President/Governor not answerable to courts for official acts |
| Article 361(2) | No criminal proceedings during tenure |
| Article 361(3) | No arrest or imprisonment during tenure |
| Article 194(2) | Freedom of speech and voting immunity for State Legislators |
| Article 105(2) | Similar privilege for Members of Parliament |
Key Fact:
The immunity under Article 361 is temporary. Criminal proceedings can be initiated after the Governor demits office.
Consider the following statements:
- No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office.
- The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
Both statements regarding the constitutional provisions for the Governor of a State are correct. Article 361 provides immunity to the Governor from criminal proceedings during their term of office, while Article 158 ensures that their emoluments and allowances cannot be diminished during their tenure.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Article 361 grants immunity to the Governor from criminal proceedings in any court during their term of office, though civil proceedings may be instituted with two months' prior notice.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Article 158 mandates that the emoluments and allowances of the Governor shall not be diminished during their term of office, ensuring financial independence.
📝 Short Notes: Constitutional Provisions for Governor
| Article | Provision | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Article 153 | Governor of States | There shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States. |
| Article 154 | Executive Power | Executive power of the State is vested in the Governor and is exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him. |
| Article 158 | Conditions of Office | Governor shall not be a member of Parliament or State Legislature. Emoluments and allowances cannot be diminished during term of office. |
| Article 361 | Immunity | Governor is not answerable to any court for exercise of powers and duties. Immune from criminal proceedings during term. Civil proceedings allowed with 2 months' notice. |
| Article 155 | Appointment | Governor is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal. |
| Article 156 | Term of Office | Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President for a term of 5 years, but may continue until successor assumes office. |
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Which of the following are discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
- Sending a report to the President of India for imposing President's rule
- Appointing the Ministers
- Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
- Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Under Article 356, the Governor has discretionary power to send a report to the President recommending President's Rule if constitutional machinery in the state has failed.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Governor appoints Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister under Article 164; this is not a discretionary power but a constitutional obligation.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Under Article 200, the Governor has discretionary power to reserve bills passed by the State Legislature for the President's consideration, especially bills affecting High Court powers or repugnant to Central laws.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Under Article 166, rules for conducting State Government business are made by the Governor on the advice of the Council of Ministers, not at discretion.
Which one of the following statements is correct?
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The 7th Constitutional Amendment (1956) permits the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States simultaneously.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Judges of High Courts are appointed by the President of India (after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, Governor, and Chief Justice of the concerned High Court), not by the Governor.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The Constitution does not prescribe any specific procedure for removal of a Governor; Article 156 states that the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: In Union Territories with legislative assemblies (Delhi, Puducherry), the Chief Minister is appointed by the President, not the Lieutenant Governor.
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