Article 213: Governor’s ordinance power and how it differs from Article 123

The Governor’s ordinance power

Article 213 allows a Governor to promulgate an ordinance when the state legislature is not in session and the constitutional conditions are met. The power is limited by the Constitution and rules governing matters that require the President’s instructions or assent.

An ordinance has the force of law for a limited period, must be laid before the legislature and is subject to the constitutional timetable. It is not a permanent substitute for ordinary legislation.

Compare Article 123

Article 123 deals with the President’s ordinance power at the Union level; Article 213 concerns a state Governor. The legislative setting and constitutional conditions differ, even though both provisions address periods when a legislature is not in session.

An ordinance generally ceases six weeks after the legislature reassembles unless approved earlier or ceases sooner under the applicable rules.

Common exam mistakes

Do not confuse an ordinance with a bill, executive order or court judgment. Authority, trigger, duration and legislative follow-up differ.

Use the constitutional text when answering a legal GK question. Headlines should be read with the issuing authority, date, subject and subsequent legislative action.

AI-publication disclosure: researched, drafted and formatted with AI assistance. Sources are linked for checking; report factual errors through DailyScope’s contact page.