Q. Write a note on Powers of Governor and his role in states.

 

_{Note: this post is a part of our important question answer series on Constitutional Law. You can read other questions by clicking here.}

 

Answer

Article 153 of Constitution of India establishes the office of governor in every state. Art 156 provides that he shall hold office for 5 years or during the pleasure of president. The role of the Governor is quite similar to that of the President of India. The Governor performs more or less same duties as of President, but for the State. The powers and functions of the governor can be studied under the following heads:

 

I.                   Executive powers:

A.      Being the executive head of the state, all the important appointment in the state: chief minister and his council of ministers, the state election commissioners, advocate general, members of state public commissions, etc. are done by the governor, though for all practical purposes, he is bound with the advice of chief minister, or provisions of Constitution.

He can recommend the imposition of constitutional emergency in a state to the president. During the period of President’s rule in a state, the governor enjoys extensive executive powers as an agent of the President.

 

II.                Legislative powers:

No bill can become Law without the assent of governor. Upon his dissatisfaction, he even can refer a bill to the president, for their consideration. He has power to dissolve the state assembly, as advice by the chief minister, or directed by the president.

 

_{III.                                  financial powers:}

_{A.                No money bill can be presented without the prior assent of the governor of the state.}

_{B.                 No demand for a grant can be made except on his recommendation.}

_{C.                 He can make advances out of the Contingency Fund of the state to meet any unforeseen expenditure.}

 

_{IV.                                  Judicial powers:}

_{A.                He has the power of pardon, remit and commute the one’s sentence, article 161.}

_{B.                 the governor is always consulted in the appointment of the judges of the High Court by the President, Article 217.}

_{C.                 All the district judges are appointed by the governor.}

 

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