UPSC » Consider the following statements Polity (Indian Constitution – Governor & President powers)

Consider the following statements Polity (Indian Constitution – Governor & President powers)

Q. 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?

(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

84. निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

I. भारत के संविधान में स्पष्ट रूप से उल्लिखित है कि कतिपय बातों में किसी राज्य का राज्यपाल अपने विवेकानुसार कार्य करता है।
II. भारत का राष्ट्रपति, अपने-आप, किसी राज्य विधान-मंडल द्वारा पारित विधेयक को भले ही वह संबंधित राज्य के राज्यपाल द्वारा न भेजा गया हो, अपने विचार के लिए आरक्षित कर सकता है।

उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

(a) केवल I
(b) केवल II
(c) I और II दोनों
(d) न तो I और न ही II

Answer: (a) I only

Explanation:

  • Statement I is correct: Article 163(1) of the Constitution provides that the Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers except in matters where he/she is required to act in his/her discretion.
  • Situations involving discretionary powers of the Governor include reservation of bills for the consideration of the President under Article 200, recommending President’s Rule under Article 356, and inviting a leader to form government when no party has a clear majority.
  • Statement II is not correct: Under Article 200, only the Governor can reserve a bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President.
  • The President cannot independently or suo motu call for or reserve a State bill unless it has been forwarded by the Governor.

Source:
Constitution of India