UPSC CSE Prelims
Legislative Assembly and Council Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2

Both statements regarding the Legislative Assembly of a State in India are correct. Article 176(1) mandates the Governor's customary address at the commencement of the first session after each general election and the first session of each year, outlining the government's policies and legislative agenda. Additionally, State Legislatures follow a long-standing convention dating back to colonial times where they adopt Lok Sabha rules for matters on which they have no specific rules of their own.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Article 176(1) of the Constitution mandates that the Governor shall address the State Legislature at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: When a State Legislature does not have a specific rule on a particular matter, it follows the Lok Sabha rule on that matter, as per a convention established since colonial times.

📝 Short Notes: Governor's Role in State Legislature

• Constitutional Provisions: Article 176 deals with the Governor's address to the State Legislature, similar to the President's address under Article 87.
• Timing of Address: The Governor addresses at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the start of the first session of each year.
• Content: The address outlines government policies, legislative agenda, and key priorities for the year.
• Procedural Rules: State Legislatures can frame their own rules of procedure under Article 208, but in the absence of specific rules, they follow Lok Sabha procedures.
• Historical Convention: The practice of following Lok Sabha rules dates back to colonial times when provincial legislatures followed the Imperial Legislative Council's procedures.

Detailed Explanation:

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The Legislative Council cannot exceed one-third of the total membership of the Legislative Assembly, as per Article 171(1). The minimum strength is 40 members.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council are elected by the Council members themselves, not nominated by the Governor, ensuring legislative independence from executive control.