Constitutional Provisions for Governors

  • Article 153 – Every state shall have a Governor.
  • Article 154 – Executive power of the state is vested in the Governor.
  • Article 155 – Governor is appointed by the President by a warrant under his hand and seal.
  • Article 156 – Holds office during the pleasure of the President; standard term is 5 years.
  • Article 157 – Qualification: Indian citizen, minimum age 35.
  • Article 158 – Conditions: cannot be a member of Parliament or State Legislature; no office of profit; emoluments cannot be reduced.
  • Article 159 – Oath administered by the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.

Established Conventions

  • Outsider Rule – Governor usually hails from outside the state to ensure neutrality.
  • Consultation with Chief Minister – Constitutional convention (not mandatory) to consult the CM before appointment.

Appointment Process for Lieutenant Governors (LGs)

  • Article 239 – Union Territories are administered by an "Administrator" appointed by the President.
  • Article 239AA – Specifically designates the Administrator of the NCT of Delhi as the Lieutenant Governor.
  • Designation – President may name the administrator as LG, Administrator, etc., depending on the UT.
  • Appointment – Directly by the President on the aid and advice of the Union Council of Ministers (Article 74).
  • Tenure & Removal – Same as Governors – holds office at the President's pleasure; no specific grounds for removal.

Why Governors are Appointed, Not Elected

  • Prevent Conflict – An elected Governor could clash with the elected Chief Minister, leading to dual power centres.
  • Nominal Head – In a parliamentary system, the Governor is a ceremonial head; elections would be unnecessary.
  • National Unity – Appointed Governors act as a link between Centre and State, promoting integration.
  • Neutrality – Appointment avoids partisan affiliations, crucial during hung assemblies or President’s Rule.

Recommendations by Commissions

  • Sarkaria Commission (1983): Emphasised outsider rule, non‑political background, and consultation with CM, VP & Lok Sabha Speaker.
  • Punchhi Commission (2007): Suggested removal of the "pleasure of the President" doctrine; advocated removal through state legislature resolution.
  • Venkatachaliah Commission (2002): Recommended that Governors normally complete the five‑year term and that removal should involve CM consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which articles deal with the Governor’s appointment? – Articles 153‑159.
  2. Who appoints the Governor? – The President of India (Article 155).
  3. What is the tenure of a Governor? – Five years, but holds office at the President’s pleasure (Article 156).
  4. What is the “Outsider Rule”? – Convention that the Governor should not be from the state he/she governs.
  5. What reforms have been suggested for removal of Governors? – Punchhi Commission’s recommendation to replace the pleasure doctrine with a legislative removal process.

Sample Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

  • 2018: Statements on criminal proceedings and emoluments of Governors – both correct.
  • 2014: Discretionary powers of Governors – sending report for President’s Rule and appointing Ministers.
  • 2013: Incorrect statements on multiple governorships, judicial appointments, and removal procedures.

Relevance for UPSC: Understanding these provisions helps answer factual questions on the Constitution and enables analytical answers on centre‑state relations, federalism, and governance reforms.