Indian Polity and Governance

The Supreme Court ruled that banning gutkha falls under the Central Government's power, not State Governments. This 2004 judgement clarified that gutkha (containing tobacco) falls under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which is central legislation. The court specifically addressed the constitutional division of powers regarding tobacco regulation.

Article 67 establishes that the Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of both elected and nominated members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. State legislatures do not participate in VP elections, unlike presidential elections.

Statement (i) is correct as the VP is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha per Article 64. Statement (iv) is correct as Article 65 allows the VP to officiate as President for up to 6 months. Statements (ii) and (iii) are incorrect: the VP need not be a Rajya Sabha member, and is elected only by Parliament (not state legislatures).

Article 64 of the Constitution designates the Vice-President of India as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The VP presides over Rajya Sabha proceedings and maintains order during debates.

The President is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of Legislative Assemblies of all states. Nominated members to Parliament or state legislatures do NOT vote in Presidential elections. The election is conducted by proportional representation using the single transferable vote method.

The Attorney General of India is the only non-member who can participate in proceedings of either House of Parliament without voting rights. Under Article 76, the Attorney General has the right to speak in both Houses and their committees, but cannot vote. Other options like the Vice-President (Rajya Sabha Chair) and Chief Justice cannot participate as non-members.

The President can only be removed through impeachment, which is a quasi-judicial process detailed in Article 61. It requires a signed accusation (by at least 1/4 of members) and a 2/3 majority in both Houses. The Prime Minister, Vice-President, or Chief Justice have no direct role in removing the President.

Under Article 156, the Governor is appointed by the President and holds office during the pleasure of the President. The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state and represents the Central government at the state level. The Prime Minister has no direct role in gubernatorial appointments.

 Chief Justice of India administers the oath of office to the President of India.

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body appointed by the President under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. It recommends financial relations between the Centre and states.

Article 360 of the Indian Constitution deals with financial emergency. It can be declared by the President if there is a financial instability in India (or a part thereof). War/external threat is Article 352, state failure is Article 356, and armed rebellion is not a separate ground.

Article 148(2) of the Indian Constitution states that the CAG shall be appointed by the President of India. The Speaker (Lok Sabha) and Chairman (Rajya Sabha) are not involved in the CAG's appointment. The CAG serves for 6 years or until age 65.

The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President of India under Article 217. This appointment is made in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the respective state.

The Advocate General is the highest law officer in a state, appointed by the Governor under Article 165. Their primary responsibility is to provide legal advice to the state government and represent the state in legal proceedings.