The Governor is the constitutional head of a State in India, functioning similarly to how the President functions at the Union level.

📜 Constitutional Provisions (Articles 153–162, 163–167, 174–213)

• Article 153 – There shall be a Governor for each State

• Article 154 – Executive power of the State vested in the Governor

• Article 155 – Appointment by the President

• Article 156 – Holds office during the pleasure of the President (5-year term)

• Article 157–158 – Qualifications and conditions of office

• Article 159 – Oath of office

• Article 161 – Power to grant pardon

• Article 163 – Governor to act on aid and advice of Council of Ministers

• Article 174 – Summon, prorogue, dissolve Legislative Assembly

• Article 200 – Assent to bills

• Article 213 – Ordinance-making power

⚖️ Role and Powers of the Governor

1️⃣ Executive Powers

• Appoints the Chief Minister

• Appoints other ministers on CM’s advice

• Appoints Advocate General, State Election Commissioner, etc.

• Acts as a link between State and Union Government

2️⃣ Legislative Powers

• Summons and prorogues State Legislature

• Dissolves Legislative Assembly

• Addresses first session after general elections

• Can reserve a bill for the President’s consideration

• Promulgates Ordinances when legislature is not in session

3️⃣ Financial Powers

• No Money Bill can be introduced without Governor’s recommendation

• Causes State Budget to be laid before Legislature

• Controls Contingency Fund of the State

4️⃣ Judicial Powers

• Can grant pardon, reprieve, respite, or remission of punishment (Article 161)

• Consulted in appointment of High Court judges

5️⃣ Discretionary Powers

• Appointment of CM when no clear majority

• Reservation of certain bills for President

• Sending report to President recommending President’s Rule (Article 356)

🏛 Important Supreme Court Judgments

• Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab – Governor acts on aid and advice of Council of Ministers except in discretionary matters.

• S.R. Bommai v. Union of India – Limited misuse of Article 356 (President’s Rule).

🔎 Position of Governor

• Nominal executive head

• Real executive power lies with the Council of Ministers

• Acts as a constitutional guardian of the State

📌 Conclusion

The Governor plays a dual role:

• Constitutional head of the State

• Representative of the Union Government

While most powers are exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers, certain discretionary powers make the office politically significant.