What is the issue?
Several States have witnessed disputes over the Governor’s Address to the State Legislature, raising concerns about constitutional propriety, the limits of gubernatorial discretion, and adherence to the principle of responsible government.
What is the Governor’s Address?
- A constitutional formality delivered:
- At the first session after State Assembly elections, and
- At the first session of every calendar year.
- Purpose:
- To inform the Legislature of the policies, priorities, and legislative agenda of the elected State government.
- It does not represent the personal views of the Governor.
Constitutional Provisions Involved
- Article 163:
- Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in limited discretionary matters.
- Article 174:
- Power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Legislature — to be exercised on Cabinet advice.
- Article 175:
- Governor may address or send messages to the House.
- Article 176:
- Mandates the Governor’s Address at specified sessions and provides for discussion of the Address.
Nature of the Governor’s Powers
- Mandatory duty, not discretion:
- The Governor must deliver the Address but cannot alter, omit, or rewrite the speech prepared by the elected government.
- No independent policy authority:
- The Address reflects the Council of Ministers’ agenda, ensuring democratic accountability.
- Symbolic constitutional role:
- The Governor is a constitutional head, not a parallel authority.
- Procedural follow-up:
- Legislature discusses the Address, ensuring scrutiny through elected representatives.
