Appointment of Governor

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has been appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal.

• Governor – He/She is a nominal executive head of the state & forms an important part of the state executive, where he/she acts as the chief executive head.
• Appointment – The Governor of a State in India is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
• Tenure – Normally 5 years, but the Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President.
• Removal – The Governor can be removed by the President at any time, without assigning reasons.
• There is no impeachment procedure for Governors, unlike the President of India.
• Qualifications
  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Must be at least 35 years old.
  • Cannot hold any office of profit.
  • Cannot be a member of Parliament or State Legislature.
• Dual Role – The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state and as a representative of the Union Government.
• Constitutional Provisions

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Executive Role – Appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers & oversees administration and ensures governance as per the Constitution.
• Legislative Role – Summons and prorogues the state legislature, can dissolve the Legislative Assembly & gives assent to bills or reserves them for the President.
• Judicial Role – Has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, or commutations (Article 161).
• Discretionary Powers – In situations like hung assemblies, breakdown of constitutional machinery, or when reserving bills for the President.
• Various Committees & Commissions
  • Sarkaria Commission (1983) – Recommended that Governors should be eminent persons, not involved in local politics & suggested consultation with the Chief Minister before appointment.
  • Punchhi Commission (2007) – Emphasised fixed tenure for Governors, recommended limiting discretionary powers to avoid misuse.
  • Rajamannar Committee (1969) – Suggested reducing the Union’s interference through Governors.
• SC Judgments
  • SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994) clarified limits on the Governor’s discretion in recommending President’s Rule.
  • Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) restricted the Governor’s interference in legislative matters.

References

1. The Hindu | TN Governor R.N. Ravi transferred to West Bengal
2. Govt of Maharashtra | Role of Governor