Lieutenant Governor (LG) in India: Role, Powers, Appointment & Exam Notes
Complete Polity Article for Competitive Exams
By Home Academy
The Lieutenant Governor (LG) is a key constitutional authority in the Union Territories of India. Questions related to the role, powers, appointment, and comparison of Lieutenant Governor with Governor are frequently asked in Indian Polity sections of competitive examinations.
This article by Home Academy provides conceptual clarity, constitutional backing, and exam-focused points on the office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Meaning of Lieutenant Governor
A Lieutenant Governor is the administrative head of a Union Territory, appointed by the President of India. The LG functions as the representative of the President and exercises powers on behalf of the Central Government.
The post of Lieutenant Governor exists mainly in Union Territories, unlike Governors who function in States.
Constitutional Basis of Lieutenant Governor
The office of Lieutenant Governor derives authority from Article 239 of the Indian Constitution.
According to Article 239, every Union Territory shall be administered by the President, acting through an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor.In some Union Territories, the Administrator is designated as Lieutenant Governor.
Appointment of Lieutenant Governor
Appointed by the President of India.
Holds office during the pleasure of the President.Usually a retired bureaucrat, diplomat, or senior military officer.
No fixed tenure is mentioned in the Constitution.
Union Territories with Lieutenant Governor
Union Territories administered by Lieutenant Governors include:
Delhi (NCT)
Jammu & KashmirLadakh
Puducherry
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Other Union Territories are governed by Administrators.
Powers and Functions of Lieutenant Governor
1. Administrative Powers
Acts as the executive head of the Union Territory.
Implements laws and policies framed by the Central Government.Supervises the working of UT administration.
2. Legislative Powers
In UTs without a legislature, the LG has full administrative control.
In UTs with a legislature (Delhi and Puducherry):
LG can reserve bills for the consideration of the President.Has authority in matters of public order, police, and land (especially in Delhi).
3. Financial Powers
Exercises control over UT finances.
Budget and expenditure require Central Government approval.4. Discretionary Powers
Can act independently in matters referred to him by the Constitution.
In case of disagreement with the Council of Ministers, the LG can refer the matter to the President.Lieutenant Governor in Delhi (Special Provisions)
Delhi is governed under Article 239AA.
Delhi has an elected Chief Minister and Legislative Assembly.The LG has special powers over:
Public OrderPolice
Land
Supreme Court has clarified that the LG is not superior to the elected government, but coordination is mandatory.
Lieutenant Governor vs Governor (Key Differences)
| Aspect | Lieutenant Governor | Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Area of Operation | Union Territory | State |
| Appointed By | President of India | President of India |
| Constitutional Article | Article 239 | Article 153 |
| Executive Authority | Central Government | State Government |
| Role | Agent of the Centre | Constitutional Head |
Important Exam-Oriented Points
Lieutenant Governor is not an elected post.
LG works under the control of the Central Government.Delhi and Puducherry are Union Territories with Legislatures.
Jammu & Kashmir is a Union Territory with Legislature, Ladakh is without Legislature.
LG can hold additional charge of more than one Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor plays a vital role in the governance of Union Territories and acts as a crucial link between the Central Government and Union Territory administration. A clear understanding of the constitutional provisions, powers, and limitations of the LG is essential for scoring well in Indian Polity.