Published Paper Details:

In India, all the States have the same pattern of Government as the Centre. According to Indian Constitution, there shall be a Governor of each State. The Governors exist in the States, while Lieutenant Governors and administrators exist in Union Territories. A Governor acts as Constitutional Head of the State and takes all his/her decisions based on the advice of Chief Minister and his/ her Council of Ministers. Governor is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal, on the recommendations of the Union Council of Ministers. Governor acts as bridge between the Union and Centre. He reports fortnightly, on the affairs of the State. His usual term of office is five years but he holds office during the pleasure of the President. The Governor's powers and functions have become controversy in the recent times. The recent controversies surrounding the Office of Governor and the emerging issues are avoidable and unnecessary. Such controversies and emerging issues malign the dignity of the high Constitutional Office. The Union and State Governments should abide by the spirit of the Constitution as well as the Supreme Court's Judgments in this regard. The implementation of recommendations of various Commissions can ensure that such needless controversies do not arise in future. The Governors should also act according to their Constitutional mandate, rather than acting as political agents. An active but unbiased Office of Governor can strengthen the Union State relationship and the federal structure. This paper deals with the appointment, powers and functions of the institution of Governor, as well as the anomalies and emerging issues surrounding the powers vested in them in the matters of their role and granting assent to the Bills passed by the State Legislature, Judicial powers.