The correct answer is (a) and (c) (Option 3).
Constitutional Architecture of State Legislative Councils (Articles 169 & 171):
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Statement (a) - "Legislative Council is a Permanent Chamber." - Correct:
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Under Article 172(2) of the Constitution, the Legislative Council of a state is a permanent body not subject to dissolution. One-third of its members retire every second year upon completing a 6-year tenure. (Under Article 169, Parliament can abolish or create a Council, but it cannot be dissolved like the Legislative Assembly).
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Statement (b) - "The Governor is the ex-officio chairman of Legislative Council." - Incorrect:
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Unlike the Vice-President who serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Governor is NOT the Chairman of the Legislative Council.
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Under Article 182, the members of the Council elect a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman from amongst their own members.
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Statement (c) - "Except few nominated members the members of the Legislative council are indirectly elected." - Correct:
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Five-sixths (5/6) of the total members are indirectly elected through proportional representation by single transferable vote:
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1/3 by local authorities (municipalities, district boards).
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1/3 by members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
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1/12 by registered graduates of at least three years standing.
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1/12 by teachers of secondary/higher secondary institutions.
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Only the remaining 1/6 members are nominated by the Governor with special knowledge in literature, science, art, cooperative movement, and social service.
Core Facts on State Legislative Councils:
1.
Abolition/Creation: Article 169 (State Assembly special majority + Parliament simple majority).
2.
Maximum strength: 1/3rd of the Legislative Assembly strength.
3.
Minimum strength: 40 members (Article 171).
4.
States with bicameral legislatures: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana (6 states).
