RAS question
Under which Article of the Indian Constitution does a Governor hold office during the pleasure of the President?
Correct answer: (A) Article 156.
Under Article 156 of the Indian Constitution, a Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Explanation
Article 156 is the tenure provision for a State Governor. The official Constitution text places it under Part VI, Chapter II, The Governor, and titles it "Term of office of Governor". Clause (1) states that the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President. The same article also provides that, subject to those provisions, the Governor's term is five years from the date on which the Governor enters office, with continuation until a successor enters office. This is why Article 156, not the neighbouring appointment or eligibility provisions, directly answers the question.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Article 155 deals with how a Governor is appointed: by the President by warrant under his hand and seal, not with tenure during the President's pleasure.
- (C) Article 157 sets the qualifications for appointment as Governor, namely citizenship of India and completion of thirty-five years of age, so it does not state the pleasure doctrine.
- (D) Article 158 lays down conditions of the Governor's office, such as not being a member of Parliament or a State Legislature and not holding any other office of profit, rather than the tenure rule.
Concept
This tests the constitutional provisions on the State executive, especially the Governor's appointment, tenure, qualifications and office conditions. RAS often asks these adjacent Articles because they are short, similar-looking provisions where confusion between Articles 155, 156, 157 and 158 is common.