
UPSC Prelims PYQ 2013: constitutional procedure for removal of a Governor
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time
- 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
- No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post
- In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support
Explanation
Statement (c) is correct
- The Governor holds office for a term of five years from the date he/she enters office. However, the Governor can continue to hold office beyond five years until the successor assumes charge, ensuring that there is no interregnum in the office of the Governor. At the same time, the five-year term is not secure because the Governor serves at the President’s pleasure. Therefore, the President can remove the Governor at any time. The Governor may also resign from office by addressing a resignation letter to the President. Importantly, the Constitution of India does not prescribe any procedure or grounds for the removal of a Governor. The Supreme Court has also observed that the President’s pleasure in this matter is not subject to judicial justification regarding the grounds of removal
Statement (a) is incorrect
- Usually, there is a governor for each state, but the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states.
Statement (b) is incorrect
- The appointment of Judges for the High Courts of states is done by the President of India.
Statement (d) is incorrect
- According to Section 45 of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Chief Minister is appointed by the President.












