Extent of executive power of State
Quick Summary (TL;DR)
Article 162 (Extent of executive power of State): Governs the State Executive (Governor, Chief Minister, State Cabinet & Advocate-General) under Part VI.
In Simple Citizen Words
Article 162 ('Extent of executive power of State') in Part VI, Chapter II regulates the executive government of the States. It defines the office, appointment, tenure, and powers of the Governor, the aid and advice of the State Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, the Advocate-General for the State, and the conduct of state government business. Specifically: Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive power of a State shall extend to the matters with respect to which the Legislature of the State has power to make laws: Provided that in any matter with respect to which...
Key Constitutional Provisions
Constitutional Mandate (Art. 162): Directly codifies the legal rule for 'Extent of executive power of State' under Part VI
Sets a direct, self-contained constitutional command binding on public authorities across India
Requires transparent Parliamentary law-making and democratic accountability rather than arbitrary executive action
Exceptions & Reasonable Restrictions
Under Article 163 and Article 164(2), the Governor acts as a constitutional head on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly (Shamsher Singh & Nabam Rebia rulings).
Why This Matters in Daily Life
Ensures that state administration—controlling local police, health, land, and state welfare—remains accountable to voters through the elected State Assembly.
Want deeper legal & historical context? Explore the official Bare Act or Supreme Court Precedents & CAD Debates: