UPSC CSE Prelims 2024
Statement 2 is correct.
Prorogation of a House typically occurs after it has been adjourned sine die, meaning without fixing a date for its next meeting. However, the President is constitutionally empowered to prorogue a House even while it is in session. This power is exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Statement 3 is correct.
The Lok Sabha is dissolved by the President of India. While the President generally acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 74), there are exceptional circumstances where the President may exercise discretion. Such situations include when no party has a clear majority or when a government loses confidence and no viable alternative government can be formed. In these cases, the President may explore options before deciding on dissolution.
Statement 1 is incorrect.
Prorogation of a House by the President of India is carried out on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as stipulated by Article 85(2) of the Constitution. The President does not exercise personal discretion in this matter.
Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect because they either include statement 1, which is false, or exclude statement 2, which is true.