UPSC Prelims 2013 Q2: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time
- (b) The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President
- (c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post
- (d) In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support
Answer: (c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post
Explanation
Governors, judges and Chief Ministers
| Option | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| (a) The same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time | Incorrect | The 7th Amendment (1956) allows one person to be Governor of two or more States |
| (b) Judges of the High Court are appointed by the Governor | Incorrect | They are appointed by the President (Article 217) |
| (c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution for the removal of a Governor | Correct | The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President (Article 156); no grounds or procedure are given |
| (d) In a Union Territory with a legislature, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support | Incorrect | The Chief Minister is appointed by the President |
About the Governor:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Appointed by | The President (Article 155) |
| Term | Five years, subject to the President's pleasure |
| Minimum age | 35 years |
Answer: (c) No procedure has been laid down for the removal of a Governor.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. One person can be Governor of two or more States (7th Amendment).
- (b) Incorrect. High Court judges are appointed by the President, not the Governor.
- (c) CORRECT. The Constitution lays down no procedure for removing a Governor.
- (d) Incorrect. A Union Territory's Chief Minister is appointed by the President.
Key point
Governor: appointed by the President (Article 155), holds office during the President's pleasure (Article 156); no removal procedure; can serve two or more States.
Remember
Governor: no removal procedure in the Constitution.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Governor can be impeached like the President.
- Giving the Governor the power to appoint High Court judges.
- Forgetting the 7th Amendment on a common Governor.
Exam tip
'Pleasure of the President' means no fixed procedure for removal.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 153, 155, 156, 217 and 239AA
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Governor