With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India, consid

With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India, consider the following statements :

  • The Governor makes a customary address to Members of the House at the commencement of the first session of the year.
  • When a State Legislature does not have a rule on a particular matter, it follows the Lok Sabha rule on that matter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
– Statement 1 is correct. Article 176 of the Constitution requires the Governor to address the Legislative Assembly (or both Houses in a bicameral legislature) at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year. This address outlines the government’s policies and programs. This is a customary address mirroring the President’s address to Parliament.
– Statement 2 is correct. Article 208(1) of the Constitution states that a House of the Legislature of a State may make rules for regulating its procedure and the conduct of its business. Article 208(2) further states that until rules are made under clause (1), the rules of procedure and conduct of business in force immediately before the commencement of the Constitution with respect to the corresponding Provincial Legislative Assembly shall have effect, subject to modifications. However, in practice, State Legislatures often refer to or adopt the rules of procedure of the Lok Sabha (or Parliament generally) on matters where their own rules are silent. This provides uniformity and leverages established parliamentary practices.
The Governor’s address is prepared by the State Government and reflects its policies and legislative agenda. It is followed by a discussion and a motion of thanks in the Legislature. The rules of procedure in State Legislatures are framed to facilitate the orderly conduct of business, including debates, voting, and legislative processes.