Current Affairs Questions for CLAT | QB Set 4

Following the results of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, emerged as the single largest party in the State Assembly. However, despite TVK’s electoral success, the process of government formation witnessed constitutional and political controversy when Governor Rajendra Arlekar did not immediately invite Vijay to form the government. Instead, the Governor sought proof that TVK commanded the confidence of the House and directed Vijay to submit physical letters of support from at least 118 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), the minimum number required to establish a majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

The Governor’s insistence on documentary proof before the swearing-in sparked debate regarding the scope of gubernatorial discretion in a hung Assembly. Supporters of the Governor argued that such verification was necessary to ensure the formation of a stable government and to prevent political uncertainty. Critics, however, contended that constitutional conventions and Supreme Court judgments favour inviting the single largest party or alliance to form the government first, followed by a floor test in the Assembly to determine majority support. The development revived discussions on the constitutional role of Governors, the principles laid down by the Sarkaria Commission, and the increasing judicial preference for floor tests as the most transparent method of establishing legislative confidence.

Questions

1. Which of the following statements correctly reflects the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission regarding government formation in a hung Assembly?

A. The Governor should first invite a pre-poll alliance that commands a majority.
B. The Governor must always invite the single largest party first.
C. The Governor should recommend President’s Rule immediately if no party has absolute majority.
D. The Governor should dissolve the Assembly before consulting political parties.

2. In the Karnataka Political Crisis (2018), what direction did the Supreme Court give regarding the floor test?

A. The floor test should be conducted through a secret ballot.
B. The Court shortened the deadline to 24 hours and directed an open floor test under live television coverage.
C. The Governor alone could determine majority support without a floor test.
D. The Assembly was dissolved before the trust vote could take place.

3. Which Supreme Court case clarified that the Constitution does not require the ruling party to independently hold a majority, as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Legislative Assembly?

A. B. R. Kapur case
B. Rameshwar Prasad case
C. S. R. Bommai case
D. Kesavananda Bharati case

4. Under which constitutional provision may the Governor recommend dissolution of the Assembly if no stable government can be formed?

A. Article 356
B. Article 164
C. Article 163
D. Article 174(2)(b)

5. According to the evolving position of the Supreme Court, what is considered the most objective method of determining majority support in the Assembly?

A. Floor test conducted in the Legislative Assembly
B. Governor’s personal assessment of support letters
C. Decision of the Election Commission
D. Recommendation of the Council of Ministers

Answers with Explanations

1. Answer: A

The Sarkaria Commission recommended that the Governor should first invite a pre-poll alliance with a clear majority to form the government. This principle aims to ensure stability and respect the electoral mandate.

2. Answer: B

During the Karnataka Political Crisis (2018), the Supreme Court reduced the time for proving majority from 15 days to 24 hours and directed that the floor test be conducted openly under live television coverage.

3. Answer: C

In the S. R. Bommai case, the Supreme Court clarified that a government need not independently hold majority strength if it can prove confidence of the House through legislative support.

4. Answer: D

Article 174(2)(b) empowers the Governor to recommend dissolution of the Legislative Assembly if no party is capable of forming a stable government.

5. Answer: A

The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that a floor test in the Assembly is the most transparent and objective method for determining majority support, rather than relying solely on the Governor’s discretion.