📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.54 | Classroom Explanation

(Polity | Governor–President Powers)

📌 Question

Q.54) 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

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✅ Correct Answer: (a) I only

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question tests fine constitutional nuance regarding discretionary powers and legislative procedure. UPSC frequently probes such “who does what” distinctions.

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

✅ Statement I: Correct

• Article 163(1):

• Provides that the Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers
• Except in matters where the Constitution requires the Governor to act in discretion

• Article 163(2):

• If any dispute arises on whether a matter falls under the Governor’s discretion,
• The Governor’s decision is final

📌 Examples of discretionary areas:

• Reservation of Bills for the President
• Appointment of Chief Minister in a hung Assembly
• Recommendation of President’s Rule (Article 356)

➡️ Hence, the Constitution explicitly recognises discretionary powers of the Governor.

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❌ Statement II: Incorrect

• Article 200 governs assent to State Bills
• Only the Governor has the power to:

• Give assent
• Withhold assent
• Return the bill (if not a Money Bill)
• Reserve the bill for President’s consideration

🚫 The Constitution does not allow the President to:

• Suo motu call for a State bill
• Intervene unless the bill is formally reserved by the Governor

➡️ Hence, Statement II is incorrect.

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🧮 UPSC-Style Elimination Table

Statement	Correct?
I	✅
II	❌

➡️ Only Statement I is correct

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🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (a) I only

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📦 High-Value Prelims Add-Ons (Info Box)

🧠 One-Line Memory Hook

Governor has discretion; President waits for reservation.

⚠️ UPSC Trap Alert

• UPSC often inserts “President can act on his own” — usually false
• In State legislation, the Governor is the constitutional gatekeeper

🔗 Articles to Recall

• Article 163 → Governor’s discretion
• Article 200 → Assent to State Bills

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