The Constitution of India
Article 175
Right of Governor to address and send messages to the House or Houses
(1) The Governor may address the Legislative Assembly or, in the case of a State having a Legislative Council, either House of the Legislature of the State, or both Houses assembled together, and may for that purpose require the attendance of members.
(2) The Governor may send messages to the House or Houses of the Legislature of the State, 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 despatch consider any matter required by the message to be taken into consideration.
Why this exists
This provision mirrors the President's similar power under Article 87 for Parliament and reflects the Westminster-inspired design of Indian state governments, where the Governor is the constitutional head of the state. It gives the Governor a formal, non-partisan channel to communicate with the legislature — for instance, to open a session with an address (as under Article 176) or to flag urgent matters — while keeping actual governance in the hands of the elected ministry.
How courts read it
There is no major judicial controversy specifically on Article 175; courts have generally treated the Governor's addressing and messaging powers as formal, ceremonial functions exercised on the aide and advice of the Council of Ministers, consistent with the broader constitutional scheme (as clarified in cases dealing with the Governor's discretionary versus advised functions, such as in disputes over Article 163).
Common misconceptions
- Myth: The Governor's address to the legislature reflects the Governor's own personal views or policy choices.
Fact: The address is prepared by the state's Council of Ministers, and the Governor reads it in a formal, constitutional capacity, not as a personal statement (simplified). - Myth: A message from the Governor under Article 175(2) can force the House to pass a particular law.
Fact: The House is only required to consider the matter promptly; it is free to debate, modify, or reject any related proposal.