The Governor’s Role in Indian Federalism: Analyzing the Sarkaria Commission’s Perspective
Keywords:
Governor, Indian constitution, sarkaria commission, federalism, state autonomy, executive powers, union-state relations, constitutional governanceAbstract
The role of the Governor in India’s federal structure has been a contentious subject, particularly in the context of the balance between the Union and state governments. The Indian Constitution envisions the Governor as the head of a state, operating as a constitutional authority with no obligation to act as an agent of the Union. However, conflicting interpretations and practices have
often blurred this principle, sparking debates on the autonomy of states and the federal nature of governance. This article critically examines the Sarkaria Commission’s approach to the Governor’s role, the limitations of its recommendations, and their implications for Indian federalism. It highlights the need for robust mechanisms to prevent central overreach and protect the integrity of states’ executive powers.
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