Q1. What is the Governor’s power related to judicial matters?
- He can grant pardons for any criminal offense
- He can only commute death sentences
- He can grant pardons, reprieves, and commute sentences for state law offenses
- He cannot exercise judicial powers
Correct Option: 3. He can grant pardons, reprieves, and commute sentences for state law offenses
Explanation: The Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, and remissions of punishment for offenses under state laws. He can also suspend, remit, or commute sentences of individuals convicted of offenses related to matters under the state’s jurisdiction.
Q2. In which matter is the Governor required to act in his discretion, without the advice of the Council of Ministers?
- Reservation of bills for the President’s consideration
- Promulgation of ordinances
- Appointment of the Chief Minister
- Granting pardons
Correct Option: 1. Reservation of bills for the President’s consideration
Explanation: One of the cases where the Governor acts in his discretion is when reserving a bill for the consideration of the President. The decision regarding whether to reserve a bill for the President’s consideration lies solely with the Governor and is not subject to the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Q3. What is the veto power of the Governor in relation to ordinary bills?
- He can return the bill to the legislature but not reserve it for the President
- He has the power to return the bill but cannot withhold assent
- He can withhold assent, return the bill, or reserve it for the President
- He has no veto power
Correct Option: 3. He can withhold assent, return the bill, or reserve it for the President
Explanation: The Governor can exercise his veto power by either giving assent to the bill, withholding assent, or returning the bill to the legislature. Additionally, he can reserve the bill for the President’s consideration, which is a unique power held by the Governor in certain cases.
Q4. What is the Governor’s role in the appointment of state judicial officers?
- The Governor appoints district judges and judicial officers in consultation with the state high court
- The Governor appoints all judges of the state judiciary
- The Governor appoints judges with the consent of the state legislature
- The Governor does not have any role in judicial appointments
Correct Option: 1. The Governor appoints district judges and judicial officers in consultation with the state high court
Explanation: The Governor has the power to appoint district judges in consultation with the state high court. Similarly, appointments to the state’s judicial service (other than district judges) are made by the Governor in consultation with both the state high court and the State Public Service Commission.
Q5. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Governor’s power to issue ordinances?
- The Governor can issue ordinances only on the advice of the Chief Minister
- The Governor can issue ordinances on any matter, including central law matters
- The Governor can issue ordinances on matters for which the state legislature cannot make laws
- The Governor’s power to issue ordinances is not bound by any advice
Correct Option: 1. The Governor can issue ordinances only on the advice of the Chief Minister
Explanation: The Governor’s power to promulgate ordinances is not discretionary. The Governor can issue ordinances only on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. This is similar to the President’s ordinance-making power at the national level.