📜 Article 156 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Term of Office of Governor
🔹 Text of Article 156:
(1) The Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.
(2) The Governor may, by writing under his hand addressed to the President, resign his office.
(3) Subject to the foregoing provisions, the Governor shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office.
(4) A Governor shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office.
📌 Key Points:
| Clause | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (1) | The Governor serves at the pleasure of the President (can be removed at any time). |
| (2) | The Governor can resign anytime by writing to the President. |
| (3) | The normal term is 5 years, but it's not fixed due to Clause (1). |
| (4) | Governor continues to hold office even after 5 years until a successor takes charge. |
🧠Why Article 156 is Important:
Provides flexibility in tenure.
Prevents vacuum in constitutional authority at the state level.
Reflects a quasi-federal structure — the Union controls the appointment and continuation of Governors.
⚖️ Example:
A Governor may serve less than 5 years if removed early.
Many Governors continue beyond 5 years until a replacement is appointed.
Here is a comparison chart between Article 155 and Article 156 of the Indian Constitution:
📊 Comparison: Article 155 vs Article 156
| Aspect | Article 155 | Article 156 |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Appointment of Governor | Term of Office of Governor |
| Content Summary | The Governor is appointed by the President of India. | The Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President. |
| Appointing Authority | President of India | Not about appointment, but tenure and removal. |
| Method of Appointment | By a warrant under the President’s hand and seal. | Not applicable |
| Term Mentioned | Not mentioned | Normally 5 years, but can be removed earlier. |
| Resignation Provision | Not mentioned | Can resign by writing to the President. |
| Removal Clause | Not covered | Can be removed any time by the President. |
| Extension Beyond Term | Not mentioned | Governor continues till successor takes office. |
| Type of Provision | Constitutional appointment clause | Tenure, resignation, and continuation clause |
🧠In Short:
-
Article 155 tells who appoints the Governor and how.
-
Article 156 tells how long the Governor stays, and how/when they leave office.
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