Consider the following statements A person who is not a member of Parliament
- cannot be appointed as a Minister.
- can be appointed as a Minister for six months.
- can be appointed as a Minister for six months term renewable by another six months.
- can be appointed as a Minister beyond six months on his election to either House of Parliament. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Verified Answer
A. (A) 2 and 4
B. (C) 1 only
C. (B) 2, 3 and 4
D. (D) 2 and 3
Explanation:
Article 75(5) of the Indian Constitution states that a Minister who for any period of six consecutive months is not a member of either House of Parliament shall at the expiration of that period cease to be a Minister. This means a non-MP can be appointed as a Minister for six months (2), and if they get elected to either House within that period, they can continue as a Minister beyond six months (4). The six-month period is not renewable (3), and they can indeed be appointed (1 is incorrect).