Q. In case a Minister disagrees with policy decisions of the Council of Ministers, then:
1. S/he may give his resignation.
2. S/he may advise the President to dissolve the Council of Ministers.
3. S/he may be removed by the President on advice of the Prime Minister.
4. S/he may give a statement in Parliament regarding his differing views when the policy is being discussed.
How many of the above given statements are correct?
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: Since Article 75 insists on the principle of collective responsibility, the Minister with the dissenting opinion can either agree with the decision. Or if his conscience does not allow him to agree with a certain decision, he can resign his post as a Minister of the CoM.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Only the Prime Minister, as the head of the CoM, and not any other Minister has the right/ authority to advise the President to dissolve the CoM.
Statement 3 is correct: If the dissenting Minister refuses to put up a joint front, or resign from the CoM on his own, the PM may use his powers and advise the President to remove such a Minister from the CoM.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Members of CoM can disagree within closed walls during its discussions, but once a decision is taken, they all have to agree with it, abide by it, and defend it in the Parliament and in public.
