Sarkari Data
State GovernmentPart VI, Chapter II (Articles 153–162)

Governor of the State (Rajyapal)

राज्य के राज्यपाल

Constitutional Citations:Article 153Article 154Article 161Article 163Article 200Article 213
Constitutional Definition

The constitutional Head of the State appointed by the President of India, holding office during the pleasure of the President and representing the Union constitutional link in the State.

Constitutional Purpose & Role in the Republic

To serve as the formal constitutional head of the state executive, ensure constitutional conformity in state governance, and exercise discretionary powers in situations of constitutional breakdown or hung assemblies.

Core Constitutional Responsibilities & Functions
1
Appoints the Chief Minister (leader of the legislative majority) and other ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
2
Gives assent to State bills, withholds assent, returns bills for reconsideration, or reserves bills for the consideration of the President under Article 200.
3
Promulgates State Ordinances under Article 213 when the State Legislative Assembly is not in session.
4
Exercises pardoning and remission powers under Article 161 in criminal matters within state judicial jurisdiction.
5
Reports to the President under Article 356 if a situation arises where the government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.

Key Articles & Constitutional Provisions

Article 153 & 154: Office and Executive Power

Establishes a Governor for each state; executive power of the State is vested in the Governor.

Article 163: Aid and Advice of Council of Ministers

Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers except in matters where the Constitution requires discretionary action.

Article 200: Assent to Bills

Provides the options available to the Governor upon receiving a bill passed by the state legislature, including reservation for the President.

Related Institutions & Check-and-Balance Organs

President of India

Appoints the Governor and can remove Governor at pleasure

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Chief Minister & State Cabinet

Tenders aid and advice to the Governor under Article 163

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State Legislative Assembly

Summoned and prorogued by the Governor

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Associated Legal & Constitutional Doctrines

Dual Role of Governor (State Head & Union Representative)Discretionary Powers (Article 163(2))Reservation of Bills (Article 200)President's Rule (Article 356)

Related Topics in State Government

All 16 Topics
State Governments & Federal StructureThe institutional governance structure of India's 28 States and legislative Union Territories, operating within the constitutional framework of cooperative federalism.
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Chief Minister & State Council of MinistersThe elected leader and real executive head of a State Government, commanding a majority in the State Legislative Assembly and heading the State Council of Ministers.
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State Legislative Assemblies & CouncilsThe law-making representative institutions of States, comprising the directly elected Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and, in certain states, a bicameral Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad).
Read Overview