The Governor Archives

1. A proviso has been added to which one of the following Articles of the

A proviso has been added to which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India making it possible that the same person may be appointed as Governor for two or more States ?

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Article 151

Article 153

Article 155

Article 157

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UPSC SO-Steno – 2018

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Article 153 states that there shall be a Governor for each State. The Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956, added a proviso to Article 153: “Provided that nothing in this article shall prevent the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States.” This enabled a single individual to hold the office of Governor for multiple states simultaneously.

The possibility of appointing one person as Governor for more than one state is explicitly allowed by a proviso added to Article 153.

Article 151 deals with the form of accounts of the Union and of the States and audit reports. Article 155 deals with the appointment of the Governor by the President. Article 157 deals with the qualifications for appointment as Governor. Only Article 153, which mandates a Governor for each state, needed the proviso to allow one person to cover multiple states.

2. Which of the following statements is not correct?

Which of the following statements is not correct?

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All executive action of the Government of a State shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Chief Minister.

It is the duty of the Chief Minister to communicate to the Governor of the State all the decisions of Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the State.

The Governor makes rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of the State.

The validity of rules made by the Governor shall not be called in question.

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UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

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Statement A is not correct. All executive action of the Government of a State shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Governor (Article 166(1)). The Chief Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers and advises the Governor, but executive actions are formally taken in the Governor’s name.

Formal executive actions at the state level are carried out in the name of the Governor, similar to how executive actions at the Union level are carried out in the name of the President. The Chief Minister is the head of the government but not the formal head of the executive for issuing orders.

Statement B is correct; Article 167(a) makes it the duty of the Chief Minister to communicate to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers. Statement C is correct; Article 166(3) empowers the Governor to make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of the State. Statement D is correct; Article 166(2) states that the validity of rules made by the Governor under Article 166 shall not be called in question on the ground that they are not rules made by the Governor.

3. Which of the following statements relating to the Governor is not corr

Which of the following statements relating to the Governor is not correct ?

The Governor has no diplomatic or military powers like the President.

The Governor possesses executive, legislative and judicial powers analogous to those of the President.

the Governor has equal power with that of the President to appoint judges of the State High Court.

The Governor has the power to nominate one member of Anglo-Indian community to the Legislative Assembly, if he is satisfied that they are not adequately represented.

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UPSC SO-Steno – 2017

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Statement C is not correct. Judges of the State High Courts are appointed by the President of India, not the Governor of the state. The President makes the appointment in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the state, and the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court (Article 217).

While the Governor is consulted in the process of appointing High Court judges, the power of appointment rests with the President, not the Governor. This highlights a key difference in the judicial powers between the President at the Union level and the Governor at the State level.

Statement A is correct; the Governor is a constitutional head of the state and does not possess diplomatic or military powers, which are vested in the President as head of the Union. Statement B is correct in that the Governor possesses analogous executive, legislative, and judicial powers within the state sphere, although their scope and impact differ from those of the President. Statement D was correct based on the constitutional provision (Article 333) before it was discontinued by the 104th Amendment Act, 2019. Assuming the question refers to the position before the amendment, this statement would be considered correct.

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4. Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India is re

Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India is regarding the duties of the Chief Minister with respect to the furnishing of information to the Governor ?

Article 195

Article 187

Article 167

Article 165

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UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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Article 167 of the Constitution of India is regarding the duties of the Chief Minister with respect to the furnishing of information to the Governor.

Article 167 outlines the duties of the Chief Minister. It states that it shall be the duty of the Chief Minister of each State:
(a) to communicate to the Governor of the State all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation;
(b) to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation as the Governor may call for; and
(c) if the Governor so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the Council.

This article defines the formal relationship and communication channels between the Chief Minister (as head of the Council of Ministers) and the Governor (as the constitutional head of the state). It ensures that the Governor is kept informed about the state’s administration and legislative proposals.

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5. The “Doctrine of Pleasure” is related to the tenure of which constitut

The “Doctrine of Pleasure” is related to the tenure of which constitutional authority in India ?

Governor of State

Chief Justice of India

Chief Information Commissioner

Chief Election Commissioner

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UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2021-22

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The Doctrine of Pleasure originates from English Common Law, where servants of the Crown hold office during the pleasure of the Crown. In the Indian context, certain constitutional authorities hold office during the pleasure of the President or the Governor.

Article 156(1) of the Constitution of India states that the Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President. This is a direct application of the Doctrine of Pleasure in the Indian context regarding the Governor’s tenure.

Constitutional authorities like the Chief Justice of India, Chief Information Commissioner, and Chief Election Commissioner have constitutionally secured tenures and are not subject to the Doctrine of Pleasure for removal; they can only be removed through a specific process laid down in the Constitution (e.g., impeachment-like process for CJI and CEC) or relevant statutes (for CIC). Other offices held during the pleasure of the President include the Attorney General of India (Article 76(4)), Union Ministers (Article 75(2)). State Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor (Article 164(1)).

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6. Consider the following statements: The Constitution of India confers p

Consider the following statements:
The Constitution of India confers power on the Governor to reserve a Bill passed by a State Legislature for consideration by the President of India

1. when the Bill is inconsistent with any law made by the Parliament
2. for any Bill
3. when the Bill seeks to give effect to the Directive Principle mentioned under Article 39(b)

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

2 only

3 only

2 and 3

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20

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Statements 2 and 3 describe circumstances or scope under which the Governor can reserve a Bill for the consideration of the President. Statement 1 also describes a valid ground. Given the options, 2 and 3 appear to be considered the correct answer.

Article 200 gives the Governor the power to reserve a Bill for the consideration of the President. This general power applies to any Bill passed by the State Legislature (Statement 2), except for Money Bills which have specific return procedures, although reservation is technically possible even for them.
Statement 3 is correct because Article 31C requires that any Bill seeking to give effect to the Directive Principle mentioned in Article 39(b) or 39(c) must be reserved for the consideration of the President.
Statement 1 is correct because inconsistency with a law made by Parliament, especially on a matter in the Concurrent List, is a common and important ground for reserving a Bill, often to seek President’s assent under Article 254(2) to allow the State law to prevail in the State.
The presence of option D (2 and 3) suggests that Statement 2 (“for any Bill” – implying the general power under Article 200) and Statement 3 (mandatory reservation under Article 31C) are considered correct circumstances for reservation, possibly prioritising the general power and a specific mandatory case over other potential reasons like Statement 1.

The Governor must also reserve a Bill for the President’s consideration if it would endanger the position of the High Court (Proviso to Article 200). Other grounds for reservation often cited include being ultra vires the Constitution, being against the larger interest of the country, or dealing with matters of grave national importance.

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7. The Governor of a State may tender his/her resignation to

The Governor of a State may tender his/her resignation to

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the President of India

the Union Home Minister

the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

the Advocate General of the State

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023

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Article 156(2) of the Constitution of India explicitly states that “The Governor may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office.” The Governor is appointed by the President and holds office during the pleasure of the President.

The Governor is the nominal head of the state executive, acting as a link between the Centre and the State. The President appoints the Governor, and the Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President.

The term of the Governor’s office is generally five years, but this is subject to the doctrine of pleasure of the President. The Governor can be transferred from one state to another by the President.

8. Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an em

Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?

First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)

Rajamannar Committee (1969)

Sarkaria Commission (1983)

National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)

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UPSC IAS – 2019

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The recommendation that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State, a detached figure without intense political links, and should not have taken part in politics in the recent past is a key recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983). The Commission was established to examine the relationship and balance of power between the central and state governments in India and suggest changes within the framework of the Constitution. Its report contained several recommendations regarding the appointment, role, and removal of the Governor aimed at ensuring the impartiality and effectiveness of the office.

The Sarkaria Commission (1983) made specific recommendations regarding the criteria for selecting state governors to ensure impartiality and avoid political bias.

The First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966) also touched upon Centre-State relations but its recommendations are not as detailed or specific on the Governor’s role as Sarkaria Commission. The Rajamannar Committee (1969), appointed by the Tamil Nadu government, strongly advocated for state autonomy and suggested various measures, including the abolition of the Governor’s post or appointment in consultation with the state government, but the specific description in the question matches Sarkaria Commission’s detailed criteria for the person selected. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000) also reviewed the Governor’s role and endorsed many of the Sarkaria Commission’s views.

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9. Consider the following statements : 1. No criminal proceedings shal

Consider the following statements :

1. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office.
2. 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 ?

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2018

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The correct answer is C.

Statement 1 is correct. Article 361(2) of the Constitution of India provides that no criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President, or the Governor of a State, in any court during his term of office.
Statement 2 is correct. Article 158(4) states that the emoluments and allowances of the Governor shall not be diminished during his term of office. This provision ensures the financial security and independence of the office of the Governor.

Article 361 provides immunity to the President and Governors from certain legal proceedings. While they have immunity from criminal proceedings during their term, civil proceedings can be instituted against them with two months’ notice regarding acts done or purporting to be done by them in their personal capacity. The protection against diminution of emoluments and allowances is a standard feature for high constitutional offices to prevent the executive or legislature from using financial pressure to influence the officeholder.

10. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Gover

Which of the following are the 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.

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1 and 2 only

1 and 3 only

2, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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The Governor of a state exercises powers on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except when the Constitution explicitly allows or requires them to act in their discretion.
Statement 1 is correct: Article 356 of the Constitution allows the President to impose President’s Rule in a state if satisfied, based on a report from the Governor or otherwise, that the government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution. The Governor’s report is often based on their subjective assessment of the situation, which is considered a discretionary function.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Governor appoints the Chief Minister (leader of the majority party) and other ministers on the *advice* of the Chief Minister. This is a formal duty executed upon advice, not a discretionary power.
Statement 3 is correct: Article 200 of the Constitution allows the Governor to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President of India. The Constitution gives the Governor discretion in deciding whether to reserve a bill (e.g., if it endangers the position of the High Court, or if it is ultra vires the Constitution).
Statement 4 is incorrect: Rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of the State are made by the Governor under Article 166(3) on the advice of the Council of Ministers. This is not a discretionary power.

– The Governor acts on aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except for specific situations requiring discretion.
– Discretionary powers include sending reports for President’s Rule and reserving bills for the President.
– Appointing ministers (on CM’s advice) and making business rules (on Council’s advice) are not discretionary.

Other instances of discretionary power for the Governor might include appointing the Chief Minister when no single party has a clear majority after an election, or dismissing the Council of Ministers when it has lost the confidence of the legislative assembly but refuses to resign.