The Indian Constitution delineates a federal structure with a strong center, providing several provisions for the administrative control and supervision of the States by the Union government. These provisions ensure the Union’s ability to maintain national integrity and coordinate with the States in matters of national importance. Here are the key aspects:

Appointment and Removal of Governors

Appointment of Governors:

• Article 155 of the Constitution states that the Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President of India.
• This appointment is made by the President, who acts on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. The Governor serves as the representative of the President in the State and holds office at the President’s pleasure.

Removal of Governors:

• Article 156 specifies that the Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President and can be removed by the President at any time without specifying reasons.
• The term of the Governor is five years, but they can be removed earlier without any grounds or procedures prescribed by the Constitution.
• The Supreme Court has held in B.P. Singhal vs. Union of India (2010) that while the President’s pleasure is the basis for removal, it should not be arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, ensuring some degree of protection against whimsical removal.

Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 355 mandates the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of each State is carried on by the provisions of the Constitution.
• Article 356 (President’s Rule) can be invoked if the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the State cannot be carried on by the provisions of the Constitution. In such cases, the Union government can assume control of the State’s administration.

Deployment Mechanisms:

• The Union government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, can deploy CAPF in States to maintain public order and handle internal disturbances. CAPF includes forces like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and others.
• The deployment is often done in response to requests from the State government, but the Union can also deploy forces suo motu in situations of grave internal security threats.

Administrative Control and Supervision

Control over State Legislation:

• Articles 200 and 201 give the Governor the power to reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President. This enables the Union to ensure that State legislation does not conflict with national policies or constitutional provisions.

Directions to States:

• Article 256 requires States to comply with the laws made by Parliament and allows the Union to give necessary directions.
• Article 257 empowers the Union to give directions to States regarding the construction and maintenance of means of communication of national or military importance, and the protection of railways.

Inter-State Councils and Committees:

• Article 263 provides for the establishment of an Inter-State Council to investigate and discuss subjects of common interest between the Union and the States or among States. This promotes cooperation and coordination in policy and administration.