In the Indian constitutional system, the Governor of a state takes the oath of office before which constitutional authority?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the constitutional position of the Governor and the procedure followed when a Governor assumes office. The oath of office is not just a ritual but a formal constitutional requirement that reflects who supervises and authenticates the Governor's commitment to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the law. Knowing who administers this oath helps you understand the relationship between state level constitutional authorities and the judicial structure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question is about the oath of office of a state Governor in India.
It asks which authority administers this oath.
The options mention the Chief Justice of the High Court, the Chief Justice of India, the President, and the Vice President.
We assume standard constitutional practice as laid down in the Constitution of India and related conventions.

Concept / Approach:
Article 159 of the Constitution prescribes the form of oath or affirmation for a Governor. The practice is that the Governor takes this oath before the Chief Justice of the High Court of the state or, in the absence of the Chief Justice, before the senior most judge of that High Court. The President appoints the Governor, but the actual administration of the oath takes place at the state level before the Chief Justice of the respective High Court. Therefore, understanding the separation of functions between appointment and oath administration is key to answering this question correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Governor is appointed by the President, but the oath ceremony takes place within the state.Step 2: Remember that the constitutional and judicial authority associated with the state is the High Court and its Chief Justice.Step 3: Connect this with the standard practice that the Governor takes the oath before the Chief Justice of the High Court of the state.Step 4: Choose Chief Justice of High Court from the given options as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this from standard polity textbooks and descriptions of oath ceremonies in the news, where reports regularly state that the newly appointed Governor took the oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court. The President does not travel to each state to administer this oath, and the Chief Justice of India is primarily associated with the Supreme Court at the national level. The Vice President has no role in this particular process. Only the Chief Justice of the High Court or, in his or her absence, the senior most judge of that court, is constitutionally connected with the ceremony, which confirms this option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Chief Justice of India presides over the Supreme Court and does not administer oaths to state Governors; the role is specific to the High Court at the state level, so this option is incorrect.
The President of India appoints the Governor by warrant under his hand and seal, but the President does not personally administer the oath of office to the Governor, which makes this option wrong for the specific question asked.
The Vice President of India has roles related to chairing the Rajya Sabha and acting as President under special circumstances, but plays no part in administering the oath of office to Governors, so this option is also incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often confuse appointment with oath administration and may assume that because the President appoints the Governor, the President must also administer the oath. Others may wrongly elevate the role of the Chief Justice of India to all constitutional oaths. It is important to remember the clear state level context of the Governor's office and the corresponding role of the High Court and its Chief Justice. By separating appointment authority from oath administering authority, you can avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The Governor of a state in India takes the oath of office before the Chief Justice of the High Court of that state.