Constitutional Position Regarding Removal of Governor

Under Article 156 of the Constitution of India:

• The Governor holds office for a term of five years.

• However, he/she holds office “during the pleasure of the President.”

🔎 What Does “Pleasure of the President” Mean?

• The Constitution does not lay down any specific procedure for removal.

• No impeachment process (unlike the President under Article 61).

• No requirement to state reasons.

• The Governor can be removed at any time by the President.

Since the President acts on the aid and advice of the Union Council of Ministers, the removal is effectively decided by the Central Government.

⚖️ Important Supreme Court Judgment

B.P. Singhal v. Union of India

The Supreme Court held that:

• Governors cannot be removed arbitrarily.

• Though no formal procedure is prescribed, removal must not be capricious, unreasonable, or based on mala fide grounds.

• However, the Court also clarified that reasons for removal need not be disclosed.

📌 Conclusion

The Constitution of India does not provide a detailed procedure for the removal of a Governor.
The Governor serves at the pleasure of the President, and removal is based on executive decision, subject to limited judicial review.