by Q. Consider the following statements:
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
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:
Statement I is correct.
The Constitution of India clearly provides that the Governor of a State generally acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where the Constitution explicitly requires the Governor to act in his/her discretion.
Article 163(1) states that the Governor shall act on the advice of the Council of Ministers except in cases where discretion is permitted by the Constitution.
Article 163(2) further clarifies that if a question arises about whether a matter falls under the Governor’s discretionary powers, the Governor’s decision is final, and the validity of any action taken cannot be challenged on the basis that the Governor should or should not have exercised discretion.
Statement II is incorrect.
Under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor has the power to reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President.
The President cannot act on a state bill on his/her own; the bill reaches the President only when the Governor forwards it.
Therefore, it is the Governor, not the President, who decides whether a bill should be reserved, and the President acts solely on the bills sent by the Governor.
Answer: (a) I only
