1. The original plan in the draft Constitution for having elected Governors was dropped because
i. It would have meant another election.
ii. The election would have been fought on major political issues.
iii. The elected Governor might have considered himself superior to the Chief Minister.
iv. The Governor had to function under the Parliamentary System.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Code :
(a) i and ii
(b) ii and iii
(c) i, iii and iv
(d) ii, iii and iv
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (c) i, iii and iv
- People in the Constituent Assembly disagreed on how Governors should be chosen in the States.
- Some people thought they should be elected, while others believed they should be chosen by the government.
- In the end, it was decided that Governors should be chosen by the government, because having elections would be too expensive, it would create conflict between the Governor and the Chief Minister, and the government wouldn’t have enough control over the States.
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2. The governor of the state, may act independently from the consultation of the Legislative Assembly when –
(1) The Government has to prove its majority in the session of the Legislative Assembly.
(2) To terminate the Chief Minister.
(3) To reserve any bill for the consideration of the President of India.
(4) To send back a bill to the Legislative Assembly for reconsideration.
(5) To seek the consultation with High Court.
Choose the correct answer from the following code:
Code :
(a) 1,2,3 and 4
(b) 2,3,4, and 5
(c) 1, 2,4 and 5
(d) all of these
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]
Ans. (a) 1,2,3 and 4
- The Governor of a state has the power to make decisions in certain cases, such as asking the Government to show they have support from the State Legislative Assembly, removing a Chief Minister who has lost the trust of the Assembly, deciding if they should agree to a Bill or send it to the President for consideration, and sending a Bill back to the Legislative Assembly to be reconsidered.
- The Governor can also choose to impose the President’s rule and dissolve the State Legislature, but they are not allowed to consult the High court.
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3. Under which of the following Article of the Indian Constitution the Governor may reserve a Bill for the consideration of the President?
(a) Article 169
(b) Article 200
(c) Article 201
(d) Article 202
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
Ans. (b) Article 200
- Article 200 allows governors to either accept or reject a bill, or send it to the president for review.
- If it is not a Money Bill, the governor can send it back to the House for discussion.
- If the House votes for it again, with or without changes, the governor must accept it.
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4. Who is the Constitutional Head of the State Governments?
(a) Chief Minister
(b) Governor
(c) Speaker
(d) High Court Judge
[53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011, 45th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) Governor
- The Governor is the most important person in the state, and is given the power to make and enforce laws according to the constitution.
- This is stated in Article 153 of the constitution.
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5. Who appoints the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir?
(a) The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir
(b) The Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The President of India
[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (d)
- The Constitution of India gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.
- Before 1965, the Legislative Assembly chose the Executive head, but this was changed with an amendment to the State Constitution.
- The Executive head is now known as the Governor and is appointed by the President of India.
- After reorganization in 2019, the two new Union territories are controlled by the President, using Lieutenants Governors appointed by him.
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6. Consider the following statements in relation to the Governor of a State in India –
(1) He must be a citizen of India by birth.
(2) Must have completed the age of 35 years.
(3) He must be eligible to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
(4) He may be appointed as Governor for two or more states.
Which of these is/are correct –
(a) 1 and 2 are correct
(b) 1,2 and 3 are correct
(c) 1,2 and 4 are correct
(d) 2 and 4 are correct
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1996]
Ans. (d) 2 and 4 are correct
- The Governor is the leader of a State chosen by the President. According to Article 157, anyone over the age of 35 who is an Indian citizen can be appointed as the Governor of a State, even if they weren’t born in India.
- The Governor isn’t allowed to be a member of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
- The Seventh Amendment Act of 1956 states that one person can be the Governor of two or more States.
- This means statements 2 and 4 are true, making option d the correct answer.
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7. The Governor of a State is appointed by
(a) the Prime Minister
(b) the Chief Justice of India
(c) the President
(d) the Chief Justice of the High Court
[64th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) the President
- The President chooses the Governor of a State to serve a five year term and can stay in office as long as the President wants.
- Only Indian citizens who are at least 35 years old can be chosen for this job.
- The Governor has the power to make decisions for the State.
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8. Consider the following and select the correct answer by using the code given below:
(1) The Governor shall take oath or affirmation before entering upon his office.
(2) The format of oath or affirmation is given in the Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
(3) The Governor shall make and subscribe to the oath or affirmation in the presence of the Chief Justice of the High Court or in his absence senior most Judge of that Court.
(4) The process of oath and affirmation is given in Article 159 of the Indian Constitution.
Code :
(a) (1), (2), and (3)
(b) (1), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (2) and (4)
(d) (1), (2), (3) and (4)
[R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (b) (1), (3) and (4)
- Before they start their job, Governors and anyone taking on Governor duties must swear an oath or confirmation in front of the Chief Justice of the High Court of the state or the most senior judge available, as stated in Article 159 of the Indian Constitution.
- The 3rd schedule does not cover the Governor’s oath.
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9. Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?
(a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)
(b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)
(c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)
(d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)
- The Sarkaria Commission Report (1988) suggested that the Governor should be an important person who does not come from the state they will be appointed to.
- The State Chief Minister should have a role in the appointment process.
- The Governor should be independent and not have any strong political connections or have been involved in politics recently. They should also not be a part of the ruling party.
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10. Who amongst the following administers the oath of office to the Governor?
(a) President of India
(b) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
(c) Chief Justice of the High Court
(d) Outgoing Governor of the concerned State
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014, U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013, Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) Chief Justice of High Court
- The Chief Justice of the State High Court gives the Governor the oath of office.
- If the Chief Justice is not there, the oldest judge of the High Court will give the oath instead.
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11. Which one of the following statements about the Governor of an Indian State is not true:
(a) He is appointed by the President of India
(b) He can be Governor of more than one State
(c) He holds office for a term of five years
(d) He can be removed earlier if the Legislature of the concerned State passes a resolution for his removal.
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]
Ans. (d) He can be removed earlier if the Legislature of the concerned State passes a resolution for his removal.
- The President appoints the Governor of a State and they can stay in office for up to five years if they are in the President’s good graces.
- The President can remove them at any time before the five-year period is finished, but the State Legislature does not have that power.
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12. 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 the Union Territory having a Legislative set up the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post.
- Statement (a) is not true because someone can be appointed as a Governor of two or more States, according to the Constitution.
- Statement (b) is also wrong because the President chooses the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, but the Governor may also give advice.
- Statement (d) is also incorrect because, in a Union Territory that has a Legislative setup, the Chief Minister is chosen by the President, not the Lieutenant Governor.
- Statement (c) is true.
- The Constitution does not have a specific process for removing a Governor, but usually, their term is 5 years and they remain in office at the President’s pleasure.
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13. Consider the following statements and select your answer from the codes given below:
1. The Governor does not have the power to appoint the judge of a state High Court.
2. He is not a part of the Legislature.
3. He has the power to nominate some members in the Legislative Council.
4. He has no judicial powers.
(a) 1 and 2 are correct
(b) 1 and 3 are correct
(c) 2 and 4 are correct
(d) All are correct
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (b) 1 and 3 are correct
- The Governor does not have the authority to choose the Judges of a state High Court. According to the law, the President makes the appointment after consulting with the Chief Justice of India and the state Governor.
- The Governor may also appoint some members of the Legislative Council and can grant pardons or reduce punishments.
- The state Legislature is made up of the Governor, the Upper House (if there is one), and the Lower House.
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14. When the same person is appointed as a Governor of two or more States, the emoluments and allowances payable to the Governor shall be –
(a) As expressed wish of the Governor
(b) As decided by the President
(c) As decided by the Home Ministry
(d) It shall be allocated among the States in such proportion as the President may by order determine.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (d) It shall be allocated among the States in such proportion as the President may by order determine.
- According to the Indian Constitution, if the same person is appointed as Governor for multiple States, the President will decide how much money they will get for each State.
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15. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s Rule
2. Appointing the Ministers
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
4. Making rules to conduct the business of the State Government
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (b) 1 and 3 only
- The Indian Constitution says that if the Governor of a state thinks that the government in that state cannot be run according to the Constitution, they can send a report to the President.
- The Governor has the right to decide if they want to do this or not.
- When a bill is passed by the Legislature, the Governor can choose to approve it or not.
- However, the Governor does not have the power to appoint Ministers or make rules for the State Legislature.
- Statements 2 and 4 are wrong.
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16. Under the Constitutional provision on the Bill, a recommendation of the Governor was required but without the recommendation of the Governor it was introduced in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly passed by it, and sent to the Governor, now
(a) where assent to that Act was given by the Governor shall not be invalid.
(b) The Governor can refuse to assent on the grounds of the violation of Constitutional provisions.
(c) The Governor will send such a Bill to the assent of the President.
(d) The Governor or the President assents it then the court will declare it unconstitutional provisions.
[R.A.S/R.T.S (Pre) – 2018]
Ans. (a) where assent to that Act was given by the Governor shall not be invalid.
- The Constitution said that the Governor’s recommendation was needed to pass a Bill.
- However, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly passed the Bill without the Governor’s recommendation and sent it to him.
- Even though this happened, the Governor’s assent to the Act was still valid.
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17. The approval of the ordinance promulgated by the Governor is necessary –
(a) By President.
(b) By the State Legislature.
(c) By the Ministers of the Council of State.
(d) None of the above.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
Ans. (b) By the State Legislature.
- Article 213 of the Constitution states that the Governor has the power to make laws in the form of Ordinances.
- These Ordinances are as powerful as laws made by the State’s Legislature.
- The Ordinances must be presented to the Legislative Assembly (or both the Houses if there is a Legislative Council in the State).
- The Ordinances will cease to operate after 6 weeks or if a resolution is passed by the Legislative Assembly and agreed to by the Legislative Council (if any).
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18. Which among the following Articles of the Indian Constitution empowers the Governor to issue the ordinance?
(a) Art. 208
(b) Art. 212
(c) Art. 213
(d) Art. 214
[U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (c) Art. 213
- See the explanation of the above question.
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19. Under which Article of the Constitution of India, does the Governor have the power to promulgate ordinances during recess of the Legislature?
(a) 155
(b) 156
(c) 212
(d) 213
[M.P.P.C.S (Pre) – 2018]
Ans. (d) 213
- The President will appoint a Governor using a special document with his signature and seal.
- The Governor will hold their office for as long as the President wishes. Courts are not allowed to ask about what happens in the legislature.
- The Governor is allowed to make laws about urgent matters when the legislature is not in session.
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20. The Governor of a State can promulgate an ordinance during the recess of the Legislature under which of the following Articles of the Constitution?
(a) Article 123
(b) Article 213
(c) Article 220
(d) Article 219
[U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (b) Article 213
- The Chief Justice of the State High Court gives the Governor the oath of office.
- If the Chief Justice is not there, the oldest judge of the High Court will give the oath instead.
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21. The Governor of a State
1. Is appointed by the President.
2. Holds office at the pleasure of the President.
3. Is the head of the State’s Executive Power.
4. Normally holds office for five years.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) All the four
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (d) All the four
- The President appoints the Governor of a state, as stated in Article 155 of the Indian Constitution.
- Article 154(1) states that the Governor is the head of the State Executive, and they have to follow the pleasure of the President (Article 156(1).
- They normally stay in office for 5 years (Article 156(3).
- All of these statements are correct.
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22. The State Governor is appointed by –
(a) Central Cabinet
(b) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
(c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(d) President of India
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (d) President of India
- The President of India chooses the Governor of a State to serve for five years.
- They can stay in the job as long as the President wants them to.
- To be a Governor, you must be an Indian citizen who is at least 35 years old.
- The Governor has the power to make decisions for the State.
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23. The appointment of a Governor in a State is made as per the provision in the Constitution under Article –
(a) 153
(b) 154
(c) 155
(d) 156
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) 155
- The President will give a special order (warrant) signed by them to appoint the Governor of a State.
- Article 156.
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24. Which one of the following Statements about the State Governors is not true?
(a) He is a part of the State Legislature
(b) He can pardon a sentence of death
(c) He does not appoint Judges of the State High Court
(d) He has no Emergency powers
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (b) He can pardon a sentence of death
- The Governor has the authority to forgive, delay, or lessen punishments for people who have broken laws.
- However, the Governor cannot pardon someone who has received the death sentence.
- All other statements in the text are correct.
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25. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A), and the other is labeled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): “The President or a Governor cannot be sued in a Court of law for any act.”
Reason (R): “The President can be impeached, and the Governors may be dismissed for unconstitutional acts done.”
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Code :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not a correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
- According to Article 361 (2) of the Constitution, no criminal cases can be started or continued against a president or state governor during their term of office.
- However, under Article 361 (4), a civil case may be brought against them after two months of giving written notice. Option A is incorrect.
- Article 61 explains the procedure for impeaching the President and Article 156 (1) says that a governor holds office at the pleasure of the President.
- They can be removed if they do something unconstitutional.
- Therefore, Reason R is correct, making option D the correct answer.
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26. The governor’s salary and allowances are given by
(a) Consolidated Fund of State.
(b) Consolidated Fund of India.
(c) Contingency Fund of the State.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]
Ans. (a) Consolidated Fund of State.
- The money and benefits given to the Governor, and other costs associated with their job, are taken from the Consolidated Fund of each state listed in Article 202 (3)(a).
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27. Consider the following statements :
1. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office.
2. The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2018]
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2
- Article 158 states that the salary and benefits of the Governor will not be reduced while they are in office.
- Article 361 states that no criminal cases can be started or continued against the President or Governor of a state while they are in office.
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28. To whom is the Governor of a State responsible?
(a) Prime Minister
(b) President
(c) Legislative Assembly
(d) Chief Minister
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) President
- According to the Constitution, the Governor of a State is chosen by the President of India.
- This means that the Union Government is in charge.
- The Governor is allowed to stay in office for five years unless the President decides to end the term earlier.
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29. Who remains in office as long as the President of India wishes?
(a) Governor
(b) Election Commissioner
(c) Judges of the Supreme Court
(d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (a) Governor
- The president appoints the head of the Election Commission and has the power to remove them from the position whenever they want.
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30. The Constitution of India does not contain any provision for the impeachment of –
(a) The President
(b) The Governor of a State
(c) The Chief Justice of India
(d) The Vice-President of India
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (b) The Governor of a State
- The President of India appoints the Governor of a State and has the authority to remove them at any time.
- The Vice-President can be removed by a resolution passed by the Council of States and the House of People.
- The Chief Justice of India can only be removed by an address made by both houses of Parliament and agreed to by a majority of the members.
- The President and Vice-President can be removed for not following the Constitution of India.
- Impeachment is a special process that can only be used to remove the President.
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31. Article 156 of the Constitution of India provides that a Governor shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters his office.
Which of the following can be deduced from this?
1. No Governor can be removed from office till the completion of his term
2. No Governor can continue in office beyond the expiration of a period of five years.
Code :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- The Governor will hold their office for the duration of the President’s pleasure.
- The Governor can resign by writing to the President.
- Usually, the Governor will hold office for 5 years.
- However, they will continue in their role until their successor takes over.
- Both statements are incorrect.
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32. The first lady to become Governor of a State in India –
(a) Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur
(b) Padmaja Naidu
(c) Sarojini Naidu
(d) Serla Grewal
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003, M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995]
Ans. (c) Sarojini Naidu
- Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to become the Governor of a State in India.
- After India’s independence, she was appointed Governor of Uttar Pradesh and passed away while in office in 1949.
- She was the first woman to be Governor in Uttar Pradesh.
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33. Who amongst the following was the first woman Governor of a State in free India –
(a) Sarojini Naidu
(b) Sucheta Kripalani
(c) Indira Gandhi
(d) Vijay Laxmi Pandit
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (a) Sarojini Naidu
- Sarojini Naidu was the very first female Governor of a State in the newly independent India. She was in charge of Uttar Pradesh from 15 August 1947 until 2 March 1949.
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34. Who was the first lady Governor of West Bengal?
(a) Vijay Laxmi Pandit
(b) Padmaja Naidu
(c) Rajani Rai
(d) Sheila Kaul
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005 ]
Ans. (b) Padmaja Naidu
- Padmaja Naidu was the daughter of Sarojini Naidu and was the first female Governor of West Bengal after the country gained independence (1956-1967).
- Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the first Governor of West Bengal, and currently, Jagdeep Dhan Khar has held the position since July 2019.
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35. 13th February is celebrated Women’s Day every year in the memory of –
(a) Indira Gandhi
(b) Kamla Nehru
(c) Sarojini Naidu
(d) Rani Laxmi Bai
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (c) Sarojini Naidu
- Every year on the 13th of February, India celebrates National Women’s Day in honor of Sarojini Naidu, the first female Governor of India who was born on that date in 1879 and passed away in 1949.
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36. The Governor who was dismissed in Rajasthan was:
(a) Dr. Sampurnanand
(b) Raghukul Tilak
(c) Sukhdeo Prasad
(d) Bali Ram Bhagat
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2003]
Ans. (b) Raghukul Tilak
- Prabhudas Patwari was the first Governor ever to be fired.
- He was the Governor of Tamil Nadu and was let go in October 1980.
- Raghukul Tilak was the first Governor of Rajasthan to be dismissed and it happened in August 1981.
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37. Who among the following is not appointed by the State Governor?
(a) Chief Minister
(b) Members, State Public Service Commission
(c) Judges of the High Court
(d) Advocate General
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) Judges of the High Court
- The President appoints every Judge of a High Court with a special document signed by him, after talking with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State, and the Chief Justice of the High Court.
- The Governor appoints members of the Public Service Commission and the Advocate General with the advice of the Chief Minister.
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