GK Question

polity hard true_false

In recent cases (2022-2024), the Supreme Court has reiterated that Governors must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers except in limited discretionary situations, and cannot withhold assent to Bills indefinitely for political reasons.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Recent Governor jurisprudence (2022-2024): (a) Kerala Governor case, Tamil Nadu Governor case, Punjab Governor case: SC reiterated: (i) Governor generally bound by Cabinet advice (Article 163), (ii) Discretion limited to specific situations (appointing CM in hung assembly, recommending President's Rule), (iii) Withholding assent must be for constitutional reasons, not political disagreement, (iv) Delaying Assembly sessions arbitrarily violates constitutional norms, (b) Impact: Curbed arbitrary use of gubernatorial powers; protected State autonomy against political misuse. Illustrates judicial protection of federal balance: Governor as constitutional functionary, not political agent.

Topic Governor-State Tensions - Recent Judicial Clarifications
Exam Relevance Governor's constitutional role critical for UPSC Mains and State PSC exams
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