7. Role of Governors and Constitutional Crisis

Background Recent confrontations between State governments and Governors have reignited debates on federal balance and constitutional propriety. Key Issues • Governors in several States refused or altered Cabinet-approved addresses. • Article 176 mandates the Governor to address the State Legislature. • Supreme Court rulings clarify that content of the address is not discretionary. • Allegations of partisan conduct intensify Centre-State tensions. • Growing calls for reform in: o Appointment process o Security of tenure o Removal procedure Value Addition • Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President, creating structural imbalance. • Misuse of gubernatorial office undermines cooperative federalism. • Punchhi and Sarkaria Commissions recommended neutral constitutional conduct. Key Definition • Aid and Advice: Binding advice of the Council of Ministers, except in limited constitutional exceptions. Constitutional Provisions • Article 168: State Legislature • Article 176: Governor’s address • Article 355: Union’s duty to protect States • Article 160: President’s power to make provisions in contingencies Conclusion Design flaws and political misuse of the Governor’s office contribute to recurring constitutional crises. UPSC Relevance • GS-2: Federalism, constitutional offices, Centre-State relations