UPSC Prelims 2003 Q20: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
As per Indian Protocol, who among the following ranks highest in the order of precedence?
- (a) Deputy Prime Minister
- (b) Former President
- (c) Governor of a State within his state
- (d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
Answer: (c) Governor of a State within his state
Explanation
Order of precedence
| Office | Position in the order of precedence |
|---|---|
| Governor of a State within his State | Highest of the four (rank 3) |
| Former President | Lower |
| Deputy Prime Minister | Lower |
| Speaker of Lok Sabha | Lower |
In the Table of Precedence, a Governor within his own State ranks third, below only the President and the Vice-President (and the Prime Minister for the whole country), so he ranks highest among the four options.
Answer: (c) Governor of a State within his state.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Deputy Prime Minister ranks lower.
- (b) Incorrect. A former President ranks lower.
- (c) CORRECT. A Governor within his State ranks highest here.
- (d) Incorrect. The Speaker ranks lower.
Key point
Precedence: President, VP, PM, Governors within State, former Presidents, Deputy PM, CJI, Speaker.
Remember
A Governor ranks above a former President within his own State.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a former President as senior.
- Forgetting the 'within his State' clause.
- Treating the Speaker as higher than the Governor.
Exam tip
Governor in his own State is third in that State.
Sources
- Ministry of Home Affairs — Table of Precedence
- Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs — Warrant of Precedence (1979, as amended)