Eduqo
Indian Polity & Constitution›Ch 6: State Government›The Governor
Executive Head of State, Discretionary Powers & Ordinances
The Governor acts as the nominal executive head of the state while holding office during the pleasure of the President. Appointed under Article 155, the Governor exercises executive, legislative, and pardoning powers, along with crucial discretionary authority and the power to promulgate ordinances under Article 213.
Memory Hooks
| Power Type | Key Article | Core Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment | Article 155 | By President |
| Ordinance | Article 213 | Legislative recess |
| Pardon | Article 161 | State law cases |
| Reservation | Article 200 | Bill for President |
Article 155
(Presidential Appointment)
Presidential Appointment
Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Discretion
(Situational Powers)
Situational Powers
Used when no single party gets a clear majority in elections.
Article 200
(Reserve Bill)
Reserve Bill
Governor can reserve a state bill for President's consideration.
Article 213
(Ordinance Power)
Ordinance Power
Promulgated when the state legislature is not in session.
Governor can pardon death sentenceOnly President can pardon death sentence
Under Article 161, Governor cannot pardon a death sentence or martial law sentence.
Governor ordinance is permanentNeeds approval within 6 weeks
An ordinance lapses 6 weeks after the state legislature reassembles unless approved.
Governor is elected directlyGovernor is appointed by President
India follows the Canadian model where the Governor is appointed, not elected.
Q1.Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the Governor empowered to promulgate ordinances?
Q2.Which of the following statements about the Governor is NOT correct?