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What is the role of Governors in Indian Polity? – Shaurya Rathore
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What is the role of Governors in Indian Polity?

Governor: Symbolic Head, Limited Power

In a parliamentary democracy, the real power rests with elected representatives. The executive branch, comprising ministers accountable to the legislature, exercises governmental functions. The Governor, though a constitutional head, is primarily a ceremonial figurehead, appointed by the President. Governor acts on the ‘aid and advise’ of the Council of Ministers, except in those situations where the Constitution has entrusted the exercise of discretionary power to the Governor. Primarily, the Constitution places decision-making power in the hands of elected representatives.

  • Gives assent to the bill
  • Withholds assent
  • Reserves it for the consideration of the President

Judicial analysis

Supreme Court in a 2023 case of State of Punjab Versus Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab made the following key observations on Article 200 and the role of Governor-

  • “The ultimate decision on whether or not to accept the advice of the Governor as contained in the message belongs to the legislature alone.”
  • “The Governor, as an unelected Head of the State, is entrusted with certain constitutional powers. However, this power cannot be used to thwart the normal course of lawmaking by the State Legislatures.”
  • “The Governor cannot be at liberty to keep the Bill pending indefinitely without any action whatsoever.”

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