Actual Article
Article 157: Qualifications for appointment as Governor
No person shall be eligible for appointment as Governor unless he is a citizen of India and has completed the age of thirty-five years.
UPSC Notes for Article 157
Explanation:
- Qualifications:
- To be eligible for the appointment as Governor, a person must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Have completed the age of thirty-five years.
Key Points:
- Citizenship: Ensures that only Indian citizens can hold the office of the Governor, maintaining national integrity.
- Minimum Age: The age requirement ensures that the appointee has a certain level of maturity and experience.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 157
Cases:
- There are no specific landmark cases directly interpreting Article 157, as it primarily sets out clear eligibility criteria.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Emphasized the importance of selecting Governors who can maintain the dignity and impartiality of the office, aligning with the basic eligibility criteria set out in Article 157.
- Punchhi Commission: Also underscored the need for experienced and capable individuals to be appointed as Governors, reflecting the intent behind the qualifications outlined in Article 157.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 157
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) According to Article 157 of the Indian Constitution, the minimum age required to be appointed as Governor is:
- A. 30 years
- B. 35 years
- C. 40 years
- D. 45 years Correct Answer: B. 35 years
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Which of the following is not a qualification for appointment as Governor under Article 157?
- A. Citizen of India
- B. Completed the age of thirty-five years
- C. Member of a political party
- D. None of the above Correct Answer: C. Member of a political party
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 157
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of the qualifications for the appointment as Governor as outlined in Article 157. How do these qualifications ensure the suitability of candidates for the role?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the impact of the eligibility criteria for Governors under Article 157 on the functioning of State administration. Why are these criteria important for maintaining the dignity of the office?”
Additional Insights:
- Suitability: The qualifications ensure that individuals appointed as Governors have the necessary experience and maturity to handle the responsibilities of the office.
- Impartiality: While the qualifications do not explicitly mention political affiliation, the underlying intent is to appoint individuals who can act impartially and uphold the Constitution.
- Constitutional Role: The criteria set a basic standard for the appointment, ensuring that the individuals appointed can effectively perform the constitutional and ceremonial duties required of a Governor.
Understanding Article 157 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the essential qualifications for the appointment of Governors, ensuring that only suitable and mature individuals hold this important constitutional position. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering insights into the mechanisms that support the effective functioning and dignity of the office of the Governor in India.