The Governor's role as an integral part of the state legislature includes several legislative powers and functions that enable them to influence and regulate the functioning of the state's legislative body. Here are the key legislative powers and functions of the Governor in detail:
Summoning and Proroguing the State Legislature:
- The Governor can summon or prorogue the state legislature and dissolve the state legislative assembly.
Addressing the State Legislature:
- The Governor addresses the state legislature at the commencement of the first session after each general election and the first session of each year. This address outlines the government's policies and plans.
Sending Messages to the Legislature:
- The Governor can send messages to the house or houses of the state legislature concerning a bill pending in the legislature or other matters.
Appointing Presiding Officers:
- The Governor can appoint any member of the state legislative assembly to preside over its proceedings when the offices of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are vacant.
- Similarly, the Governor can appoint any member of the state legislative council to preside over its proceedings when the offices of both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are vacant.
Nominating Members to the Legislative Council:
- The Governor nominates one-sixth of the members of the state legislative council from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, cooperative movement, and social service.
Nominating Anglo-Indian Members:
- The Governor can nominate one member to the state legislative assembly from the Anglo-Indian community.
Deciding Disqualifications:
- The Governor decides on the question of disqualification of members of the state legislature in consultation with the Election Commission.
Assent to Bills:
➤ When a bill is sent to the Governor after it is passed by the state legislature, the Governor can:
- Give their assent to the bill.
- Withhold their assent to the bill.
- Return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration of the state legislature. If the bill is passed again by the state legislature, the Governor must give their assent to the bill.
- Reserve the bill for the consideration of the President. This is required if the bill endangers the position of the state high court or if it is against the Constitution or the larger interest of the country.
Promulgating Ordinances:
- The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session. These ordinances must be approved by the state legislature within six weeks from its reassembly. The Governor can also withdraw an ordinance at any time.
Laying Reports Before the Legislature:
- The Governor lays the reports of the State Finance Commission, the State Public Service Commission, and the Comptroller and Auditor-General relating to the accounts of the state before the state legislature.
