UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 36: Polity and Governance
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 upon his office. Which of the following can be deduced from this? I. No Governor can be removed from office till completion of his term. II. No Governor can continue in office beyond a period of five years. Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Article 156 says a Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President and, subject to that, for five years. So the President can remove a Governor earlier, which rules out the first statement. A Governor also continues in office after five years until the successor takes charge, which rules out the second. Remember: the term is five years, but at the President's pleasure, and it ends only when the successor joins.
- I. The Governor can be removed earlier, at the President's pleasure.
- II. The Governor continues until the successor enters office, even beyond five years.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: the Governor holds office at the President's pleasure and can be removed earlier.
- (b) Wrong: the Governor continues after five years until the successor enters office.
- (c) Both statements are wrong.
- (d) Right: neither can be deduced.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.