Karnataka Governor Abruptly Ends Speech, Accusing Government of Constitutional Violation
Karnataka Governor walks out of legislature session after refusing to read speech.
Photo by Dave Hoefler
Key Facts
Governor refused to read government-prepared address
Governor objected to criticism of Union government
State government considering approaching Supreme Court
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States
Constitutional provisions related to the Governor
Centre-State relations and federalism
Visual Insights
Governor-State Government Conflicts: A Recent History
Timeline of key events highlighting disagreements between Governors and State Governments in India, leading up to the Karnataka incident.
The relationship between Governors and State Governments has often been strained, particularly when different political parties are in power at the Centre and the State. This timeline illustrates some of the recent instances of conflict.
- 2017Tamil Nadu: Governor's delay in swearing-in of CM after political crisis.
- 2018Karnataka: Post-election scenario, Governor's decision on inviting the largest party to form government.
- 2019Maharashtra: Governor's role in government formation after the assembly elections.
- 2020Rajasthan: Governor's delay in convening assembly session during political turmoil.
- 2021West Bengal: Post-election violence and Governor's report to the Centre.
- 2022Kerala: Tensions over university appointments and bills passed by the state legislature.
- 2023Punjab: Governor withholding assent to certain bills passed by the state assembly.
- 2024Tamil Nadu: Governor returning the NEET exemption bill passed by the state assembly.
- 2025Telangana: Standoff between the Governor and the state government over pending bills and appointments.
- 2026Karnataka: Governor abruptly ends speech, accusing government of constitutional violation.
More Information
Background
The role of the Governor in India is derived from the Government of India Act, 1935, which provided for a Governor in each province. After independence, the Constitution retained the office, adapting it to fit the new parliamentary system. Initially, Governors were intended to be neutral figures, representing the Union government in the states and ensuring constitutional governance.
Over time, the Governor's role has become a subject of debate, particularly concerning the appointment process, discretionary powers (like inviting a party to form a government after elections), and the potential for conflict with elected state governments. Landmark cases like *S.R. Bommai v.
Union of India* (1994) have shaped the interpretation of the Governor's powers, especially concerning the imposition of President's Rule.
Latest Developments
Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of Governors' actions, particularly in states with governments different from the ruling party at the Centre. Instances of delayed assent to bills passed by state legislatures, controversies surrounding government formation after elections, and public disagreements between Governors and Chief Ministers have become more frequent. The Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) and the Punchhi Commission (2007-10) have made recommendations to improve Centre-State relations and clarify the Governor's role.
The Supreme Court continues to play a crucial role in interpreting the constitutional limits of the Governor's powers, aiming to maintain a balance between the Union's interests and state autonomy. The debate on whether the Governor's office should be abolished or reformed remains ongoing.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the role of the Governor in the Indian Constitution: 1. The Governor is appointed by the President and holds office during the pleasure of the President. 2. The Governor has the power to reserve a bill passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President. 3. The Governor is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in the state in all matters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Governor generally acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, there are certain discretionary powers where they can act independently.
2. Which of the following committees/commissions specifically addressed the issue of Centre-State relations and the role of the Governor?
- A.Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
- B.Ashok Mehta Committee
- C.Sarkaria Commission
- D.Hanumantha Rao Committee
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) was specifically constituted to examine and report on Centre-State relations, including the role of the Governor.
3. Assertion (A): The Governor of a state is expected to act as a bridge between the Union Government and the State Government. Reason (R): The Governor is appointed by the President and is responsible for upholding the Constitution and laws in the state. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: B
Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason doesn't fully explain why the Governor is a bridge. The Governor's role as a bridge also stems from their discretionary powers and ability to advise the state government.