The powers and responsibilities of a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor (LG) differ based on the constitutional framework governing states and Union Territories in India.
A state Governor generally acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where the Constitution permits discretion. In certain Union Territories, the LG has wider discretionary powers and may refer disagreements with the elected government to the President, subject to the applicable constitutional provisions and laws.
While a Governor serves as the constitutional head of a state, a Lieutenant Governor represents the President in a Union Territory. The exact powers of an LG vary depending on the Union Territory concerned.
In states, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister. In Delhi and Puducherry, the Chief Minister is appointed by the President under the applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.
The resignation of a Chief Minister is generally submitted to the constitutional authority concerned. The procedures and roles of the Governor and LG differ according to the governing framework of the state or Union Territory.
