UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I
Question 59: Polity and Governance
With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements :
- IThe Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office.
- IINo criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office.
- IIIMembers of a State Legislature are not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said within the House.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Article 361 gives the Governor immunity: he or she is not answerable to any court for exercising the powers and duties of the office, and no criminal proceedings can be instituted or continued against the Governor while in office. Article 194 gives members of a State Legislature privilege: they are not liable to any court proceedings for anything said or any vote given in the House or its committees. So all three statements are correct.
- I. Article 361(1) protects the Governor from being answerable to any court for official acts.
- II. Article 361(2) bars criminal proceedings against the Governor during the term of office.
- III. Article 194(2) protects what members say in the House.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement I is correct, (b) goes: it leaves I out.
What you needed to know: Article 361(1) protects the Governor from being answerable to any court for official acts.
- Then, if you were sure statement II is correct, (c) goes: it leaves II out.
What you needed to know: Article 361(2) bars criminal proceedings against the Governor during the term of office.
- Then, if you were sure statement III is correct, (a) goes: it leaves III out.
What you needed to know: Article 194(2) protects what members say in the House.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: statement III on legislators' privilege is also correct.
- (b) Wrong: statement I is also correct.
- (c) Wrong: statement II is also correct.
- (d) Right: Articles 361 and 194 support all three statements.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.