Constitutional Role of Governors Under Scrutiny Following Deviations from Customary Legislative Addresses
Recent actions by the Governors of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, who deviated from or skipped portions of their customary addresses to the State Assemblies, have sparked a constitutional debate. While Articles 87 and 176 require the President and Governors to make special addresses, constitutional convention dictates they read the text cleared by the Cabinet. Critics argue that treating these addresses as a 'meaningless formality' undermines the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. Some suggest constitutional amendments to scrap these mandatory addresses while retaining the right to address the legislature under Articles 86 and 175.
Key Points
- Articles 87 and 176 mandate special addresses by the President and Governors at the start of the first session of the year.
- Conventionally, the Governor acts as a 'mouthpiece' for the elected government, reading a speech that outlines state policies.
- Deviations from the Cabinet-approved text are seen as violations of time-honoured constitutional norms and conventions.
- Former President R. Venkataraman once described the practice as a 'British anachronism' and suggested its deletion via amendment.
Exam Facts
- Articles 87 and 176 (Special Address by President and Governor)
- Articles 86 and 175 (Right of President and Governor to address House)
- Westminster model of parliamentary democracy
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