Part VI - The States • Article

Article 159 Simplified: Oath or affirmation by the Governor

Article 159 requires every Governor (or anyone acting as Governor) to take a formal oath before taking office. This oath is administered in the presence of the Chief Justice of the state's High Court (or the senior-most High Court judge available). The Governor swears to faithfully execute the office and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the law.

Official Text

Every Governor and every person discharging the functions of the Governor shall, before entering upon his office, make and subscribe in the presence of the Chief Justice of the High Court exercising jurisdiction in relation to the State, or, in his absence, the senior most Judge of that Court available, an oath or affirmation in the following form, that is to say— “I, A. B., do swear in the name of God that I will faithfully execute the solemnly affirm office of Governor (or discharge the functions of the Governor) of .........(name of the State) and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of ........(name of the State).”.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Before starting their job, a Governor must take a serious promise (oath) to protect the Constitution and serve the people. They say this oath in front of the state's top judge (the High Court Chief Justice).

Student Mode

Prescribes the form and administrator of the Governor's oath of office. The oath is taken before the Chief Justice of the state's High Court (or the senior-most judge available). The Governor swears to 'faithfully execute the office' and to the best of their ability 'preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law' and devote themselves to the service and well-being of the state's people.

Example

Before taking charge as Governor of Karnataka, the appointee stands before the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court at Raj Bhavan to recite the oath, pledging to defend the Constitution and devote themselves to the service of the state's citizens.

Key Takeaway

The Governor must take a solemn oath administered by the High Court Chief Justice to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

FAQs

Who administers the oath to the Governor if the Chief Justice of the High Court is absent?

The senior-most judge of that High Court who is available will administer the oath.

How does the Governor's oath differ from a Minister's oath?

The Governor swears specifically to 'preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law' (similar to the President's oath), reflecting their role as a constitutional guardian, whereas Ministers take oaths of office and secrecy.

Quiz

Who officially administers the oath or affirmation to a new Governor under Article 159?

Answer: The Chief Justice of the state's High Court

What is the core pledge in the Governor's oath under Article 159?

Answer: To preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law