2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Governor (Polity). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2025Polity · Governor
Q1. Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India/explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a State acts in his/her own discretion. 2. 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?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Article 163 provides for a council of ministers with the chief minister at the head to aid and advise the governor in the exercise of his functions except the discretionary ones. If any question arises whether a matter falls within the governor’s discretion or not, the decision of the governor is final and the validity of anything done by him cannot be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion.
Statement 2 is incorrect: When a bill is sent to the governor after it is passed by state legislature, he can: (a) Give his assent to the bill, or (b) Withhold his assent to the bill, or (c) Return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration of the state legislature. However, if the bill is passed again by the state legislature with or without amendments, the governor has to give his assent to the bill, or (d) Reserve the bill for the consideration of the president. The President cannot directly receive or reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature In one case such reservation is obligatory, that is, where the bill passed by the state legislature endangers the position of the state high court. In addition, the governor can also reserve the bill if it is of the following nature: (i) Ultra-vires, that is, against the provisions of the Constitution. (ii) Opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy. (iii) Against the larger interest of the country. (iv) Of grave national importance. (v) Dealing with compulsory acquisition of property under Article the Constitution.
Exam tip:
For S2, For the President to even see the bill, it must be "reserved" by the Governor. Otherwise, the process becomes arbitrary and bypasses the federal structure. The President does not monitor state legislatures or their bill-passing daily. Can the President randomly browse through state bills and say, "Let me reserve this one"? Illogical and institutionally flawed. Hence S2 likely false. S1 was in the news a lot of times during last year.
UPSC 2025Polity · Governor
Q2. With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: 1. The Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. 2. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office. 3. Members of a State Legislature are not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said within the House. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: As per Article 361(1) of the Constitution of India, the Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. This provision ensures the dignity and independence of the constitutional office.
Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 361(2), no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor in any court during their term of office. Additionally, they shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that time.
Statement 3 is correct: According to Article 194(2) of the Constitution, members of a State Legislature shall not be liable to any proceedings in any court for anything said or any vote given by them in the Legislature or any committee thereof. This is part of the parliamentary privileges granted to legislators.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2025
(a) I only
2
2025
(d) I, II and III
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Governor?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Governor (Polity), asked from 2013 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Governor?
Questions on Governor (Polity) are available for 6 years, from 2013 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
