View source for Governor (India)

{{Short description|Nominal head of an Indian state appointed by the President of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}

{{Infobox official post
| post = Governor
| body = Indian States
| flag = Flag of India.svg
| flagsize = 110px
| flagcaption = [[Flag of India]]
| insignia = Emblem of India.svg
| insigniasize = 50px
| insigniacaption = [[State Emblem of India]]
| style = [[Excellency|His/Her Excellency]]<br /> [[The Honourable]]
| residence = *[[Raj Bhavan]]<br />{{small|(Governors)}}
*[[Raj Niwas]]<br />{{small|(Lieutenant Governors)}}
| salary = {{INRConvert|500000}}<br />(incl. allowances) per month
| appointer = [[President of India]]
| deputy = Lieutenant Governor
}}

{{Politics of India}}

In India, a '''governor''' is the constitutional head of a [[states and union territories of India|state]] in India that has similar powers and functions at the state level as those of the [[President of India]] at the central level. A governor acts as the constitutional head and takes all their decisions based on the advice of [[Chief minister (India)|chief minister]] and their council of ministers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Constitution of India - Art. 163 |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=103 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=72}}</ref>

In India, a [[lieutenant governor]] (LG) or administrator is the constitutional head of one of the eight [[union territory|union territories]]. A lieutenant governor heads the five union territories of [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2023 |title=Lt. Governor - Andaman and Nicobar Islands |url=https://www.andaman.gov.in/and_lg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128031833/https://www.andaman.gov.in/and_lg |archive-date=28 January 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Govt. of India}}</ref> [[Ladakh]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2023 |title=Who is who? - Ladakh Administration |url=https://ladakh.nic.in/whos-who/ |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Ladakh Administration - Govt. of India}}</ref> [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2023 |title=Raj Bhawan - Govt. of J&K |url=https://jkrajbhawan.nic.in/ |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Raj Bhawan - Govt. of J&K, India}}</ref> [[Delhi]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2023 |title=Lt. Governor of Delhi |url=https://lg.delhi.gov.in/ |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi - Govt. of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Constitution of India - Art. 239AA |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=144 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=113}}</ref> and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2023 |title=LG Secretariat of Puducherry |url=https://rajnivas.py.gov.in/profile.html |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=LG Secretariat of Puducherry - Govt. of India}}</ref> and an administrator heads the three union territories of [[Chandigarh]], [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]] and [[Lakshadweep]].

== Qualifications, appointment and term of office ==

=== Qualifications ===
[[s:Constitution of India/Part VI#Article 157 .7BQualifications for appointment as Governor.7D|Article 157]] and [[s:Constitution of India/Part VI#Article 158 .7BConditions of Governor's office.7D|Article 158]] of the [[Constitution of India]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Constitution of India - Art. 57 and 58 |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=102 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Ministry of Law and Justice, Govt. of India |publisher=Legislative Department, Govt. of India |page=102}}</ref> specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. They are as follows:

A governor:

* must be at least 35 years of age.
* should not be a member of the either [[Parliament of India|house of the parliament]] or [[State Legislative Assembly (India)|house of the state legislature]].
* should not hold any office of profit.
Traditionally, governors are not appointed to lead the states where they reside, although this is not stipulated in the constitution.

=== Appointment ===
The President of India appoints the governor of each State.<ref name=":0" /> The factors based on which the candidates are evaluated is not mentioned in the Constitution.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Art. 155 - Constitution of India |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=101 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Ministry of Law and Justice, Govt. of India |publisher=Legislative Dept, Govt. of India |page=101}}</ref>

A same person can be appointed as the governor of two or more States.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1956 |title=Clause 6 - Constitution (7th Amendment) Act, 1956 |url=https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/1956/E-2176-1956-0060-99251.pdf#page=7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615054438/https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/1956/E-2176-1956-0060-99251.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=E-Gazette - Govt. of India}}</ref>

=== Term of office ===
A governor shall stay appointed during the pleasure of the President.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 156 - Term of office of Governor |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=101 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India}}</ref> This alternative assumption is that they are appointed after the 'council of ministers' advise the President for such appointment. Hence, it is the Central Government that appoints them.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 74 - Council of Ministers to aid and advise President |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=65 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India}}</ref> They shall remain in office until the expiration of five years from the date on which they were appointed.<ref name=":2" /> They shall continue to remain in office even after the expiration of 5 years, until a governor is appointed by the President.<ref name=":2" />

== Powers and functions ==

The primary function of the governor is to preserve, protect and defend the constitution and the law as incorporated in their oath of office under [[s:Constitution of the India/Part VI|Article 159]] of the Indian constitution in the administration of the state affairs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Constitution of India - Art. 159 |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=102 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=14 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=71}}</ref> All the governor's actions, [[Three Judges Cases|recommendations]] and supervisory powers (Article 167c, Article 200, Article 213, Article 355, etc.) over the executive and legislative entities of a state shall be used to implement the provisions of the Constitution.

Unlike the President of India, the governor has no military or diplomatic powers. However, they possess legislative, executive and judicial powers that are similar to the powers of the President.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Basu |first=Durga Das |title=Introduction to the Constitution of India |publisher=[[LexisNexis]] |year=2015 |isbn=978-93-5143-446-7 |edition=22nd |location=Gurgaon, Haryana, India |pages=258 |language=English}}</ref>

A governor has different types of powers:
#'''Executive powers''' related to administration, appointments and removals,
#'''Legislative powers''' related to lawmaking and the [[State Legislature (India)|state legislature]], that is [[State Legislative Assembly (India)|State Legislative Assembly]] (Vidhan Sabha) or [[State Legislative Council (India)|State Legislative Council]] (Vidhan Parishad),
#'''Judicial Powers''' related to grant of pardons, reprieves, etc. and consultations.
#'''Discretionary powers''' to be carried out according to the discretion of the governor. The governors of India have similar powers and functions of the state level as those of the president of India at central level.
=== Executive powers ===

* The [[Constitution of India|Constitution]] vests in the governor all the executive powers of the state government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Art. 154 - Constitution of India |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=101 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept. - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* The governor appoints the [[Chief minister (India)|chief minister]],<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 164 - Other provisions as to Ministers |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=103 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India}}</ref> who enjoys the support of the majority in the State Legislative Assembly. The governor also appoints the other members of the Council of Ministers and distributes portfolios to them on the advice of the chief minister.<ref name=":4" />
* The Council of Ministers remain in power during the 'pleasure' of the governor.<ref name=":4" /> However, if the governor reports a constitutional breakdown in a State to the President, and that report confirms the statement that a State Government is not following the principles of the Constitution, the President can proclaim the emergency provisions in such State.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 356 - Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=243 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=211}}</ref> This will dismiss the council of ministers as such in that State.<ref>{{Cite book |last=India |first=NIOS |url=https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/srsec317newE/317EL13.pdf#page=8 |title=Political Science - Senior Secondary Course |publisher=[[National Institute of Open Schooling|NIOS]] |year=2023 |location=Delhi, India |pages=144 |language=English}}</ref>
* The governor appoints the [[Chief Ministers of India|chief minister of a state]],<ref name=":4" /> the [[Advocate general (India)|advocate general]]<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 165 - Advocate-General for the State |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=105 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India}}</ref> and the chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 234 - Recruitment of persons other than district judges to the judicial service |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=140 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=109}}</ref>
* A state election commissioner is also appointed by the governor (though removed by the president).<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2023 |title=Article 243K - Constitution of India |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=155 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=124}}</ref>
* When requested by the Election Commission or Regional Commissioner, the governor or the President shall make available to them the required staff for their proper functioning.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 324 (6) - Constitution of India |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=219 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=187}}</ref>
* All executive actions in a State are carried on the governor's name.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 166 - Constitution of India |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=105 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=74}}</ref>
* The governor of the state by virtue of their office is also the [[chancellor (education)|chancellor]] of most of the [[state university (India)|universities in the state]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Role of the Governor – As a Chancellor of the Universities |url=http://www.rajbhavan.gujarat.gov.in/honorable-governors/role-of-governor.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417191900/http://www.rajbhavan.gujarat.gov.in/honorable-governors/role-of-governor.aspx |archive-date=17 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |website=Raj Bhavan, Gujarat}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=15 June 2023 |title=Chancellor Role of Governor - Govt. of U.P. |url=https://upgovernor.gov.in/en/page/chancellor-role-of-governor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615112040/https://upgovernor.gov.in/en/page/chancellor-role-of-governor |archive-date=15 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Raj Bhawan - Govt. of U.P.}}</ref> The dignity and impartiality of the office of the chancellor puts the governor in a unique position with regard to protecting the autonomy of the universities and saving them from undue political interference. The governor as chancellor of universities also acts as president of the Senate. The governor has the power to direct inspection of every component of the universities and affiliated colleges, required due action on the result of inquiry. The chancellor appoints search committee for appointments of [[chancellor (education)|vice chancellor]]. The governor accords consent of warrant of degrees and withdraws degree or distinctions both at the recommendations of the Senate. The governor approves or disapproves statutes passed by the Senate and appoints teachers at the university based on the recommendation of the respective committees.<ref name=":3" />
* The Governor can make rules regulating the recruitment, and the conditions of service of persons appointed as the secretarial staff of the Assembly or the Council after consultation with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or the Chairman of the Legislative Council.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 187 - Secretariat of State Legislature |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=114 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=83}}</ref> However, Governor can appoint such people if the State Legislature has not prescribed any laws regulating the above recruitment.<ref name=":7" />
* A governor can nominate one member<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, 1969{{!}} National Portal of India |url=https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/constitution-india/amendments/constitution-india-twenty-third-amendment-act-1969 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref> of the Anglo-Indian community to their State's Legislative Assembly, if he/she is of the opinion that they are not represented properly in the Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 333 - Constitution of India |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=223 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=191}}</ref>
* A governor has the power to nominate 1/6 of the total no. of members to the Legislative Council of a State having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of Literature, science, art, co-operative movement and social service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 171 - Composition of the Legislative Councils |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=109 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=78}}</ref>

=== Legislative powers ===

* The governor has the right to address and send message,<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 175 - Right of Governor to address and send messages to the House or Houses |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=111 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=80}}</ref> summon, prorogue and dissolve<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 174 - Sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation and dissolution |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=111 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=80}}</ref> the State Legislature. These powers are formal, and the governor's use of these powers must comply with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the chief minister.<ref name=":1" />
* He/She also has the power to either himself/herself or through other lay down the Annual Financial Statement before the Houses of the State Legislature<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 202 - Annual financial statement |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=123 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=92}}</ref> and make demands for grants and recommending Money Bills.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 207 - Special provisions as to financial Bills |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=95}}</ref>
* The governor inaugurates (to dedicate) the state legislature by addressing it after the assembly elections and also at the beginning of the first session every year.
* The governor's address on these occasions generally outlines new policies of the state government. A bill that the state legislature has passed, can become a law only after the governor gives assent. The governor can return a bill to the state legislature, if it is not a [[money bill]], for reconsideration. However, if the state legislature sends it back to the governor for the second time, the Governor shall not withhold their assent therefrom.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 200 - Assent to Bills |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=122 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=91}}</ref> This has rarely happened in the history of any of the states. [[Tamil Nadu]], for example, resent its [[National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)|NEET]] Exemption Bill to its governor for the first and only time ever, in 2022, since the state's formation in 1950.<ref>{{Cite news |last=T. Ramakrishnan |date=8 February 2022 |title=House Will Create History if It Re-Adopts NEET Bill Today |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/house-will-create-history-if-it-re-adopts-neet-bill-today/article38394333.ece |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref>
* The governor also has the power to reserve certain bills for the president.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 201 - Bills reserved for consideration |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=122 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=91}}</ref>
* When the state legislature is not in session and the governor considers it necessary to have a law, then the governor can promulgate ordinances. These ordinances are submitted to the state legislature at its next session. They remain valid for no more than six weeks from the date the state legislature is reconvened unless approved by it earlier.{{ref|ordin}}
* A Governor can disqualify a member of the State legislature when the election commission recommends that such member is no longer complying with provisions of Article 191.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 192 - Decision on questions as to disqualifications of members of State Legislature |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=117 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India}}</ref>
* The governor can ask the advocate general to attend the proceedings of both houses of the state legislature and report to them any unlawful functioning if any.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Art. 177 - Rights of Ministers and Advocate-General as respects the Houses |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=111 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=80}}</ref>

=== Judicial powers ===

* The Governor has the power to grant pardons, respites, reprieves or remission of punishments or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which executive power of a State extends.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 161 - Power of Governor to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences. |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=103 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=72}}</ref>
* The [[President of India|President]] appoints the judges of the [[High Courts of India|High Courts]] on the recommendation of the governor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 217 - Appointment and conditions of the office of a Judge of a High Court |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=130 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India}}</ref>
* He/She also has the power to appoint the judges of the district courts after consulting the High Court of that State.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 233 - Appointment of district judges |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=139 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606211619/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=108}}</ref>

=== Discretionary powers ===
*When no party gets a clear majority, the governor has discretion to choose a candidate for chief minister who will put together a majority coalition as soon as possible.
*They can impose [[president's rule]].
*They submit reports on their own to the president or on the direction of the president regarding the affairs of the state.
*They can withhold their assent to a bill and send it to the president for approval.
*During [[Emergencies in India|emergency rule]] as per [[s:Constitution of India/Part XVIII|Article 353

]], the governor can override the advice of the council of ministers if specifically permitted by the president.

=== Emergency powers ===
The governor has no role or powers in an emergency situation to meet with the external aggression or armed rebellion as the President<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 352 - Proclamation of Emergency |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=240 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=208}}</ref> unless specifically permitted by the president under articles 160, 356 and 357.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 160 - Discharge of the functions of the Governor in certain contingencies |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=103 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=72}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2022 |title=Article 357 - Exercise of legislative powers under Proclamation issued under article 356. |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf#page=246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616043702/https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Legislative Dept., Govt. of India |page=214}}</ref>

==Emoluments/Payment==

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:1ex 0 1ex 1ex;"
|- colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"
|+ '''Governor & Lieutenant Governor's pay'''
! Date established !! Designation !! Salary (per month)
|-
| rowspan=2| 1 February 2018 || Governors || style="text-align:right;" |  {{INRConvert|350000|INR|lk=|year=2018}} 
|-
| Lieutenant Governor's || style="text-align:right;" |  {{INRConvert|225000|INR|lk=|year=2018}} 
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Source:<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2018 |title=Section 161 - The Finance Act, 2018 |url=https://egazette.gov.in/writereaddata/2018/184302.pdf#page=51 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615062839/https://egazette.gov.in/writereaddata/2018/184302.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |website=E-gazette - Govt. of India}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=1 January 2016 |title=Section 3 - Emoluments |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6710&sectionno=3&orderno=3 |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
|}

Various emoluments, allowances and privileges available to a governor are determined by the Governors (Emoluments, Allowances and Privileges) Act, 1982.<ref name=":8" />

In addition to the monthly salary, the governor and their family is entitled to-

* rent free official residence,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-06 |title=Section 5 - Use and maintenance of official residences. |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6712&sectionno=5&orderno=5 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* free household facilities,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-06 |title=Section 6 - Household establishment. |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6713&sectionno=6&orderno=6 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* leave allowances,<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2023 |title=Section 4 - Leave allowance |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6711&sectionno=4&orderno=4 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* conveyance, to use without payment of rent or hire, such number of motor-vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=Section 8 - Conveyance |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6724&sectionno=8&orderno=8 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* medical treatment,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=Section 7 - Medical Treatment |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6723&sectionno=7&orderno=7 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* travelling allowances,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=Section 9 - Traveling allowance on assumption or vacation of office. |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6725&sectionno=9&orderno=9 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* allowances for renewing furnishings and for maintenance of official residences,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=Section 10 - Allowances for renewing furnishings and for maintenance of official residences. |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6726&sectionno=10&orderno=10 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* entertainment allowance, hospitality grant, household establishment expenses, office expenses, allowance for miscellaneous expenses, and tour expenses<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=Section 11 - Other privileges and allowances. |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6727&sectionno=11&orderno=11 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>
* and such other expenses as approved from the President.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-16 |title=Section 12 - Additional expenses |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_40_00008_198243_1517807326622&sectionId=6728&sectionno=12&orderno=12 |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=India Code - Govt. of India}}</ref>

== Removal ==

A governor holds their office till five years, but it can be terminated earlier by two ways:
# '''Dismissal by the president''' without assigning any reason,<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2010-05-07 |title=BP Singhal vs Union of India |url=https://api.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/36321.pdf |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Supreme Court of India}}</ref> at whose pleasure the governor holds office. This alternative assumption is that he/she can be removed if the 'council of ministers' advice the President for such dismissal. Hence, it is the Central Government that can remove him/her.<ref name=":2" /> However, it is the duty of the president to dismiss a governor whose acts are upheld by courts as unconstitutional and malafide.<ref name=":9" />
# '''Resignation by the governor.'''<ref name=":2" />

The Constitution does not lay out any specific reasons for removal of a Governor from their office. However, this power may be used in events like bribery, treason, corruption or/and violation of the constitution.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Basu |first=Durga Das |title=Introduction to the Constitution of India |publisher=[[LexisNexis]] |year=2015 |isbn=978-93-5143-446-7 |edition=22nd |location=Gurgaon, Haryana, India |pages=256 |language=English}}</ref>

==Legal immunity==

Under [[s:Constitution of India/Part XIX|Article 361]] of the constitution, governor cannot be summoned for questioning except on their voluntary willingness to testify in the court in support of their controversial deeds though the unconstitutional decisions taken by the governor would be declared invalid by the courts. The case would be decided by the courts based on the facts furnished by the union government for the governor's role.

As clarified by the Supreme Court in the case 'Rameshwar Prasad & Ors vs. Union of India & ANR, though governor cannot be prosecuted and imprisoned during their tenure, the governor can be prosecuted after stepping down from the post for the guilt committed during their term of governorship as declared earlier by the courts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-01-24 |title=Rameshwar Prasad and Ors. Vs. Union of India and Anr. |url=https://api.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/27437.pdf |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Supreme Court of India}}</ref>

==Analysis of role in Government==
While the [[President of India]] is "elected", the governor is "selected" by the incumbent central government.<ref name="Changing UPA">{{Cite news |last=R. Jagannathan |date=18 June 2014 |title=Changing UPA's Governors: Why Tharoor Is only Half-Right |work=Firstpost |url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/changing-upas-governors-tharoor-half-right-1576401.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623000939/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/changing-upas-governors-tharoor-half-right-1576401.html |archive-date=23 June 2014}}</ref> That is why there have been many instances when governors appointed by a previous government are removed by an incoming government. The reasons are more political.

The supreme court has ruled that governors should be given security of term, but this is generally not adhered to.<ref name="Changing UPA" />

Political observers have described governorship as "plush old age homes" wherein the governor does not stay impartial and act against popular state leaders. In 1984, Congressman Ram Lal dismissed the [[N. T. Rama Rao]] government and allowed [[N. Bhaskara Rao]] as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for 31 days.<ref name="Why the post of governors should be abolished">{{Cite news |last=Rajesh Ramachandran |date=19 June 2014 |title=Why the Post of Governors Should Be Abolished |work=The Economic Times |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-19/news/50711020_1_governors-raj-bhawans-upa-government |url-status=dead |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622120219/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-19/news/50711020_1_governors-raj-bhawans-upa-government |archive-date=22 June 2014}}</ref>

In January 2014, the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) approached the Union Law Ministry under the [[United Progressive Alliance (India)|UPA Government]] to record statements of West Bengal governor [[M. K. Narayanan]] and Goa Governor [[Bharat Vir Wanchoo]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2014 |title=CBI Seeks Home, Law Ministries' Advice to Examine B V Wanchoo, M K Narayanan |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/cbi-seeks-home-law-ministries-advice-to-examine-b-v-wanchoo-m-k-narayanan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812062427/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/cbi-seeks-home-law-ministries-advice-to-examine-b-v-wanchoo-m-k-narayanan/ |archive-date=12 August 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> Their statements were considered vital as Narayanan was [[National Security Advisor (India)|National Security Adviser]] and Wanchoo was Chief of [[Special Protection Group]] (SPG) at the time of signing of contract with AgustaWestland. Their views were also considered before Indian Government signed the contract with Agusta Westland. However, Union Law ministry stonewalled CBI probe by rejecting CBI's request to examine them claiming they had 'immunity'.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 January 2014 |title=VVIP Chopper Deal: CBI Seeks President's Permission to Question Narayanan, Wanchoo |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/VVIP-chopper-deal-CBI-seeks-Presidents-permission-to-question-Narayanan-Wanchoo/articleshow/29177235.cms |url-status=live |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202175800/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-22/india/46461322_1_service-ceiling-former-iaf-chief-cbi-move |archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref>

UPA was defeated in the [[2014 Indian general election|2014 general election]] and with the incoming [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|NDA Government]]'s permission, West Bengal governor [[M. K. Narayanan]] became the first ever governor to be questioned by police in a criminal case. The CBI questioned M. K. Narayanan as a "witness" in {{INR}} 3600-crore [[2013 Indian helicopter bribery scandal]]. The CBI said Goa governor [[Bharat Vir Wanchoo]] would be questioned in the same case.<ref name="Chopper Scam: CBI Questions WB Guv M.K. Narayanan">{{Cite web |date=27 June 2014 |title=Chopper Scam: CBI Questions WB Guv M.K. Narayanan |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/Chopper-Scam-CBI-Questions-WB-Guv-MK-Narayanan/846866 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628225137/http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/Chopper-Scam-CBI-Questions-WB-Guv-MK-Narayanan/846866 |archive-date=28 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |website=Outlook}}</ref><ref name="VVIP chopper deal: Governors can be questioned while in office, says Attorney General">{{Cite news |date=27 June 2014 |title=VVIP Chopper Deal: Governors Can Be Questioned While in Office, Says Attorney General |language=en |work=Zee News |url=https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/vvip-chopper-deal-governors-can-be-questioned-while-in-office-says-attorney-general_943267.html |access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> [[Arunachal Pradesh]] governor who is also appointed by the ruling party at the center, has been sacked by the president after the Supreme Court has quashed his unconstitutional acts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahul Shrivastava |date=12 September 2016 |title=Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa Sacked |work=NDTV |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jyoti-prasad-rajkhowa-removed-as-arunachal-pradesh-governor-report-1457717 |url-status=live |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913155231/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jyoti-prasad-rajkhowa-removed-as-arunachal-pradesh-governor-report-1457717 |archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>

Lt Governor of Delhi [[Najeeb Jung]] resigned taking moral responsibility for his unconstitutional role when Supreme Court observed that the elected local government is not an unconstitutional institution without any powers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashutosh |date=28 December 2016 |title=Najeeb Jung Operated as an Assassin of Democracy |work=NDTV |type=Opinion |url=http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/najeeb-jung-operated-as-an-assassin-of-democracy-1642600 |url-status=live |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228095920/http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/najeeb-jung-operated-as-an-assassin-of-democracy-1642600 |archive-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of current Indian governors]]
* [[List of current Indian lieutenant governors and administrators]]
* [[List of female governors in India]]
* [[List of female lieutenant governors and administrators in India]]
* [[Federalism in India]]
* [[Rajpramukh]]

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Governors and Lt Governors of Indian States}}

[[Category:State governors of India]]