Published: 17th Nov, 2022
Context
With the rise in instances of stand-offs between State governments and Governors, there is once again a debate on the role and conduct of Governors, the relation of Governors with the Centre and State government, and whether Chief Ministers should have a say in the appointment of Governors in their respective States.
So, let us answer these questions briefly.
About
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Governor? What is the significance of the post?
- The Governor is essentially a link between the Centre and the States.
- The Governor has various functions, such as addressing the joint session of the Assembly and the Budget session, and signing Bills that have been passed by the Assembly.
- The Governor has both administrative and political functions to perform.
What do the Constitutional provisions say regarding appointment of the Governor?
- The appointment and powers of government can be derived from Part VI of the Indian constitution.
- Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
- As per Article 155 of the Constitution, the Governor is appointed by the ‘President’.
- The governor acts in 'Dual Capacity' as the Constitutional head of the state and as the representative.
- He is the part of federal system of Indian polity and acts as a bridge between union and state governments.
- Article 157 and Article 158 of the Constitution of India specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. They say as governor must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Be at least 35 years of age.
- Not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
- Not hold any office of profit.
- The term of governor's office is normally 5 years but it can be terminated earlier by:
- Dismissal by the president on the advice of the council of minister headed by the prime minister of the country.
- Dismissal of governors without a valid reason is not permitted. However, it is the duty of the President to dismiss a governor whose acts are upheld by courts as unconstitutional and malafide.
- Resignation by the governor.
Does the Chief Minister have a ‘say’ in appointing a Governor?
- No, there is nowhere any procedure mentioned to involve Chief Minister in the appointment of the governor.
- Due to its colonial legacy, this provision is not included so as to preserve the powers in single hands.
Implications associated:
|
Consequences |
Leads to |
|
|
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
