2.2. Removal

Ordinarily, the term of office of Governor is 5 years, but he remains in office during the

pleasure of the President. The term of a Governor’s office can be terminated earlier by:

1. Dismissal by the President at whose ‘pleasure’ he holds the office [Article 156(1)]

2. Resignation [Article 156(2)]

The grounds on which a Governor may be removed are not specified in the Constitution. Hence, it is assumed that such powers shall be sparingly used by the President. It has been observed by the Punchhi Commission that the practice of treating Governors as “political footballs” must stop and the institution must be given a fixed term and safeguards to prevent politicization.