Home The Constitution Part VI Article 174

Art. 174 Part VI: The States

Sessions of the State Legislature, Prorogation and Dissolution

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) The Governor shall from time to time summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session. (2) The Governor may from time to time—(a) prorogue the House or either House; (b) dissolve the Legislative Assembly.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article mirrors Article 85's Union-level session requirements at the state level — the same maximum 6-month gap between sessions, and the Governor's formal power to summon, prorogue, or dissolve (the Assembly specifically), exercised in practice on ministerial advice.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This ensures the same regular-sitting discipline applies to State Legislatures as to the Union Parliament — a state government similarly cannot indefinitely avoid convening its own legislature.

Read alongside this one

Art. 85 — Sessions of Parliament, Prorogation and Dissolution

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 174

Can a Governor refuse to summon the Assembly indefinitely if the Chief Minister doesn't want a session?

The 6-month maximum gap rule applies regardless of political preference, and following rulings like Nabam Rebia, a Governor's own discretion in this specific area has been significantly narrowed in favour of acting on ministerial advice.

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The text above reproduces Article 174 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.