2.3.2. Legislative Powers

♤ The Governor of the State summons or prorogues the state legislature and he can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly.

♤ When both the offices of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker fall vacant then the Governor

appoints any member of the State’s Legislative Assembly to preside over its proceedings.

♤ After a bill is passed in the state legislature, the Governor can give his assent to the bill, or withhold his assent. He can return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration of the State Legislature. He can reserve the bill for the President’s consideration.

♤ The Governor can reserve for the President’s consideration any bill passed by the State Legislature, which endangers the position of the State High Court. Further, he can also reserve the bill if it is of the nature of ultra-virus, i.e., against the Constitution’s provisions, if it is opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), if it is against the larger interest of the country, if it is of grave national importance, and if the bill is of the nature of dealing with compulsory acquisition of property under article 31A of the Constitution.

♤ The Governor nominates one member to the State Legislative Assembly from the Anglo- Indian community; he nominates 1/6th of the members of the State Legislative Council from amongst the persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, art, science, cooperative movement and social service.

♤ He 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.

♤ He decides on the question of disqualification of the members of the State Legislature in consultation with the Election Commission.

♤ The Governor of the State lays 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.