Actual Article
Article 175: Right of Governor to address and send messages to the House or Houses
- The Governor may address either House of the Legislature of a State or both Houses assembled together, and for that purpose require the attendance of members.
- The Governor may send messages to the House or Houses of the Legislature, whether with respect to a Bill then pending in the Legislature or otherwise, and a House to which any message is so sent shall with all convenient dispatch consider any matter required by the message to be taken into consideration.
UPSC Notes for Article 175
Explanation:
- Governor’s Address:
- The Governor has the right to address either House of the State Legislature or both Houses when assembled together. This address is usually given at the beginning of the first session after an election and at the beginning of the first session each year, outlining the government’s policies and priorities.
- Sending Messages:
- Apart from addressing, the Governor can also send messages to either or both Houses regarding pending bills or other matters. This enables the Governor to influence legislative discussions or direct attention to specific issues.
Key Points:
- Governor’s Active Role: This article highlights the Governor’s active role in the legislative process of the state, not just as a ceremonial head but as an integral part of the legislative mechanism.
- Legislative Influence: Through messages, the Governor can directly influence legislative business, ensuring that certain issues are addressed promptly by the Legislature.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 175
Cases:
- No landmark cases specifically interpreting Article 175 have been noted, as this article generally operates within the established norms and practices of legislative procedures.
Commissions:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: While not specifically addressing Article 175, the commission has recommended practices to enhance the effectiveness of legislative communication, which can include the Governor’s messages and addresses.
- Law Commission of India: Has occasionally touched upon the legislative roles of constitutional offices like the Governor in its reviews of constitutional law and legislative procedures.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 175
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What rights are accorded to the Governor in relation to the state legislature under Article 175?
- A. The right to veto legislation
- B. The right to address and send messages to the Legislature
- C. The right to dissolve the Legislature
- D. The right to appoint the Leader of the House Correct Answer: B. The right to address and send messages to the Legislature
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Under which article can the Governor require the attendance of members when addressing the House?
- A. Article 174
- B. Article 175
- C. Article 176
- D. Article 177 Correct Answer: B. Article 175
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 175
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of the Governor’s right to address the state legislature as per Article 175. How does this enhance the legislative process?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the impact of the Governor’s messages to the state legislature under Article 175. What role do these messages play in governance?”
Additional Insights:
- Governance Communication: The provisions in Article 175 facilitate crucial communication channels between the Governor and the Legislature, ensuring that the executive and legislative branches operate in a coordinated and informed manner.
- Policy Influence: The Governor’s addresses and messages can significantly impact policy direction and legislative priorities, reflecting the broader governance objectives of the state administration.
Understanding Article 175 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it sheds light on the Governor’s involvement in the legislative process of a state, emphasizing the constitutional mechanisms that ensure effective governance and legislative oversight. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, providing insights into the interplay between state executives and legislatures.