Why this matters now
The Governor is a hot GS-2 topic because of recurring Centre-state friction — over delays in assenting to bills, the role in government formation in a hung assembly, and the recommendation of President’s Rule. The Supreme Court has repeatedly had to define the limits of the office.
Appointment and term
The Governor is appointed by the President (effectively by the Union government) and holds office during the pleasure of the President — there is no fixed security of tenure, which is itself a source of controversy. The same person can be appointed Governor of two or more states. The office is not elected, distinguishing it from the President.
Powers
- Executive — appoints the Chief Minister and, on the CM’s advice, other ministers; appoints the Advocate-General and members of the State PSC;
- Legislative — summons/prorogues the legislature, assents to bills (Article 200), can reserve a bill for the President, and addresses the House;
- Financial & judicial — money bills need the Governor’s recommendation; pardoning power under Article 161;
- Submits reports to the President — including on the breakdown of constitutional machinery (relevant to Article 356).
Discretionary powers and the debate
Unlike the President, the Governor has certain discretionary powers — e.g., reserving a bill for the President, appointing a CM in a hung assembly, and recommending President’s Rule. Controversies arise over indefinite delays in assenting to or returning bills (Article 200), partisan use in government formation, and recommending Article 356. The Supreme Court (in S.R. Bommai and later cases) and commissions (Sarkaria, Punchhi) have urged that the Governor act fairly, with a fixed tenure and clear limits — but the debate remains live.
UPSC angle
Contrast the Governor with the President (appointed not elected; has discretionary powers; holds office at the President’s pleasure). Link Article 200 (assent) and Article 356 to the misuse debate and Sarkaria/Punchhi/Bommai.
Frequently asked questions
How is a Governor appointed?
The Governor is appointed by the President (effectively by the Union government) and holds office during the President’s pleasure, with no fixed tenure.
What discretionary powers does a Governor have?
Reserving a bill for the President’s consideration, appointing a Chief Minister in a hung assembly, and recommending President’s Rule, among others.
What is Article 200?
It deals with the Governor’s assent to bills — the Governor may assent, withhold assent, return a bill (if not a money bill) for reconsideration, or reserve it for the President. Delays here are a major source of Centre-state friction.
Why is the Governor’s office controversial?
Because of perceived partisan use — delays in bill assent, the role in government formation, and recommending President’s Rule — prompting recommendations (Sarkaria, Punchhi) for a fixed tenure and clear limits.