Topic : Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
3. Present a detailed comparison of pardoning powers of president and Governor in India. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Supreme Court has said that the Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) investigation into the larger conspiracy behind Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991 need not deter the Tamil Nadu Governor from deciding the plea for pardon of convicts, who have been serving their sentence in jail for over two decades. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to draw a detailed comparison of pardoning powers of president and Governor in India.
Directive:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining what pardoning powers are.
Body:
Article 161 mentions the Pardoning Power of the Governor. When a convict has committed an offence against state law, the concerned punishment can be granted the pardon, reprieve, respite and remission by the Governor of the state.
Differentiate between Pardoning Powers of Governor and the President in detail (tabulate them for better presentation). Give relevant examples/case studies.
Conclusion:
Present the importance of the two and conclude.
