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Indian PolityHard

In respect of a sentence of death, which power is NOT available to the Governor under Article 161?

  1. A.Pardon
  2. B.Commutation
  3. C.Remission
  4. D.Reprieve

Correct answer

A. Pardon

Explanation

The correct answer is A, pardon. Article 161 gives the Governor power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites and remissions of punishment, and to suspend, remit or commute a sentence, in cases relating to matters to which the executive power of the State extends. The settled reading is that the power to pardon a death sentence rests with the President under Article 72 and not with the Governor. Options B, C and D are all available to him even where the sentence is one of death: commutation under option B substitutes a lighter punishment, such as life imprisonment for death; remission under option C reduces the quantum of the sentence without changing its character; and a reprieve under option D stays the execution for a period, typically so that the convict can seek mercy elsewhere. Two further limits are worth memorising: the Governor has no power at all over sentences passed by a court martial, and that power too belongs to the President.

Read the full article: Governor and the State Executive: Articles and Powers

Practice Questions

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Q1.Indian PolityAsked in: Uttar Pradesh · 16 October 2022, Shift 1Easy

Which of the following states has the Legislative Council?

  1. A.Jharkhand
  2. B.Karnataka
  3. C.Odisha
  4. D.Gujarat
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Karnataka

Article 168 says a State legislature consists of the Governor and either one House or two Houses. Where there are two, the upper House is the Legislative Council or Vidhan Parishad, and Karnataka is one of the few States that has kept it.

Q2.Indian PolityAsked in: CDS · 04 Sep 2022Medium

Which of the following States have a bicameral legislature? 1. Andhra Pradesh 2. Telangana 3. Bihar 4. Uttar Pradesh. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1, 2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 and 4 only
  4. D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

A bicameral State legislature has a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council, and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh each have both Houses.

Q5.Indian PolityMedium

Who administers the oath of office to the Governor of a State?

  1. A.The President of India
  2. B.The Chief Justice of India
  3. C.The Chief Justice of the High Court of that State
  4. D.The Chief Minister of that State
Show answer
Correct answer: C. The Chief Justice of the High Court of that State

Article 159 says the oath of office is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court exercising jurisdiction in relation to the State, and in his absence by the senior-most judge of that Court available.