Dynamics of the Institution of Governor in India

The Constitution of India is based on the principle of federalism with a strong bias towards strong Center. The roots of the office of Governor in the Indian polity could be traced to the erstwhile British colonial rule which was created to administer the affairs of east India Company. Right from the Regulating Act of 1773 to the Indian Independence Act, 1947 the position and role of the Governor had been defined by the Acts enacted by the British Parliament from time to time. With the end of British rule in India and with the adoption of the new Constitution of India, the position of the office of the Governor has altogether changed. The Governor plays a dual role under the In.' Constitution. He acts as the constitutional head o the State and also serves as an agent of the Centr Government. The Constitution imposes a duty upon the Governor to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law of the country and he is also responsible for the well-being of the people of the State. For this purpose, the Constitution also confers on the Governor some discretionary powers which make him powerful. The institution of the Governor had been misused to a great extent particularly after 1967. I some states coalition governments were formed; defections became the rule of the day; constitutional instability prevailed all over and under these situations, the Governors behaved in different styles in different situations or differently in the same situation. They did not follow uniform practices in discharging their duties. The institution of Governor suddenly she' into both importance and controversy. There is no doubt that the Governors are not fe tered by any rule in the exercise of their discretion excepting the well-established principles which guide and regulate the exercise of his discretionary powers. Many times the Governor's discretion had actually been turned into central manipulation and often the allegation had been leveled that the office of the Gov error had been remote-controlled by the Centre to promote partisan interest at the state level. The institution had been misused to dislodging and embarrassing the opposition-ruled State governments. I the present work analysis has been made regarding the factors responsible for the development of such m important position that has been envisaged by the constitutional provisions and what has emerged practice.