AObligatory power
BDiscretionary power
CExecutive power
DLegislative power
Answer:
A. Obligatory power
Read Explanation:
Powers of the Governor of a State in India
Executive Powers:
Appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers, who hold office during his pleasure.
Appoints the Advocate General of the state and determines their remuneration.
Appoints the Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission (SPSC).
Administers the oath of office to the Chief Minister and other ministers.
Can recommend the imposition of President's Rule in the state.
Can assume to himself any or all the functions of the Governor of an adjoining Union Territory in consultation with the President.
Can ask the Chief Minister to furnish any information relating to the administration of the state.
Legislative Powers:
Summons, prorogues and dissolves the State Legislature.
Addresses the State Legislature at the beginning of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of each year.
Can nominate one member to the State Legislative Assembly from the Anglo-Indian community (this provision has been extended till January 25, 2020, and later abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019).
Can nominate 1/6th of the members of the State Legislative Council who are distinguished in literature, science, art, cooperative movement and social service.
Has to assent to bills, withhold assent or return bills for reconsideration (except money bills).
Can reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President.
Can promulgate ordinances during recess of the State Legislature.
Financial Powers:
Money bills can be introduced in the State Legislature only on his recommendation.
Ensures that the annual financial statement (budget) is laid before the State Legislature.
Can make advances from the Contingency Fund of the State to meet unforeseen expenditure.
Recommendations are required for the introduction of bills affecting the taxation in which states are interested.
Judicial Powers:
Appoints judges of the High Court in consultation with the President and the Chief Justice of India.
Can grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the state extends.
Discretionary Powers:
Appointment of a Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority in the Assembly.
Dismissal of the government when it fails to prove its majority on the floor of the Assembly.
Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly if the Governor is satisfied that the conditions of the Constitution are not being followed.
Seeking information from the Chief Minister regarding administrative and legislative matters.
Constitutional or Obligatory Powers:
These are powers that the Governor must exercise in accordance with the directions or advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
The Governor acts as the agent of the President in the state and is bound by the advice of the state council of ministers in most matters.
While the Governor has discretionary powers, the concept of 'Obligatory powers' implies actions taken under the mandatory guidance of the elected government, not independent authority. Therefore, 'Obligatory power' as a distinct category of power that the Governor does NOT possess independently, but rather acts upon constitutional advice, is the correct answer.