Consider the following statements I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a Stat…

Indian Polity ·Previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025

View the full solved paper: GS Paper I

Question

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?

  1. A. I only (Correct answer)
  2. B. II only
  3. C. Both I and II
  4. D. Neither I nor II

Correct Answer

Option A — I only

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is I only.

Key Points

  • Article 163(1) of the Constitution explicitly states that the Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers EXCEPT in so far as he is "required by or under this Constitution to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion" — so the Constitution explicitly mentions Governor's discretionary power. Statement I is correct.
  • The President cannot independently reserve a Bill without the Governor forwarding it — Statement II is incorrect.