Governor — Role, Discretionary Powers & Politicisation

Knowledge Themes

Structural Subtopics

• Constitutional appointment process and Article 155
• Doctrine of Pleasure and Article 156
• Dual role as constitutional head and agent of the Centre
• Constitutional discretionary powers under Article 163
• Situational discretion in hung assemblies and government formation
• Power of granting assent and withholding bills under Article 200
• Reservation of state bills for Presidential consideration
• Discretionary power regarding Article 356 and President's Rule
• Power of pardon and Article 161 vs Presidential powers
• Relationship with the Council of Ministers and "aid and advice" clause
• Role in summoning and dissolving the Legislative Assembly under Article 174
• Sarkaria Commission recommendations on the office of Governor
• Punchhi Commission recommendations on fixed tenure and removal
• S.R. Bommai case and judicial review of discretionary actions
• Nabam Rebia judgment on the limits of gubernatorial power
• Controversy of "Constitutional Silences" and indefinite delays on bills