UPSC Prelims 2025 Q54: Indian Polity – Governor
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
Answer: (a) I only
Explanation
Governor's discretion and reservation of bills
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| I. The Constitution explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor acts in his/her own discretion | Correct | Article 163(1) says so in plain words; the Sixth Schedule and Article 371A give examples |
| II. The President can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration without it being forwarded by the Governor | Incorrect | Only the Governor can reserve a bill for the President (Article 200) |
What a Governor can do with a bill (Article 200):
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Assent | The bill becomes law |
| Withhold assent | The bill fails |
| Return | For reconsideration, if it is not a Money Bill |
| Reserve | For the President; compulsory if the bill endangers the High Court's position |
The President acts under Article 201 only after a bill is reserved.
Answer: (a) I only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Article 163 explicitly mentions the Governor's discretion; statement II is false.
- (b) Incorrect. The President cannot reserve a State bill on his own.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement II is false; reservation is the Governor's act.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement I is true under Article 163(1).
Key point
Article 163(1): Governor's discretion is expressly recognised. Article 200: only the Governor reserves a bill; Article 201: the President then decides.
Remember
Only the Governor can reserve a State bill.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the President has a direct power over State bills.
- Forgetting that the Constitution mentions discretion for the Governor but not for the President.
- Mixing up Article 200 (Governor) and Article 201 (President).
Exam tip
The Governor is the gateway. No State bill reaches the President unless the Governor reserves it.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 163, 200 and 201
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on Governor