Home The Constitution Part VI Article 159

Art. 159 Part VI: The States

Oath or Affirmation by the Governor

Exact text — Constitution of India

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... 'I, A.B., do swear in the name of God/solemnly affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of Governor... 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 [the State]...'

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article requires the Governor to take office with a specific oath — administered by the state's own High Court Chief Justice (mirroring how the Union Chief Justice administers the President's oath) — with wording specifically including devotion to 'the service and well-being of the people of' that particular state, alongside the standard commitment to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why a new Governor's swearing-in ceremony is conducted by the state's own High Court Chief Justice, a formal, symbolically significant moment connecting the Governor's authority to both the Constitution generally and that specific state's welfare particularly.

Read alongside this one

Art. 60 — Oath or Affirmation by the President

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 159

Why does the Governor's oath specifically mention 'the people of the State'?

This distinctive phrasing (compared to the President's more general national-focused oath) reflects the Governor's specific role as that particular state's constitutional head, with a duty oriented toward that state's people and welfare.

← PreviousArticle 158: Conditions of Governor's Office Next →Article 160: Discharge of the Functions of the Governor in Certain Contingencies

The text above reproduces Article 159 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.