Political events are developing in Karnataka as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to submit his resignation to the Governor. The Governor, Thawar Chand Gehlot, has gone to Indore following a family medical emergency.
Under Article 164 of the Constitution, a Chief Minister must deliver the resignation directly to the Governor. The Governor departed Bengaluru late Wednesday evening on a flight to his hometown, with no return plans confirmed.
Sources from the Chief Minister’s Office indicate that Siddaramaiah intends to hand over the resignation to the Governor’s office regardless.
Constitutional expert and Supreme Court lawyer RK Singh explained that the Governor may accept the resignation while outside the state or even abroad. Physical presence at Raj Bhavan is not required. The document can be delivered to officials there or sent by fax or email.
The Governor’s authority as head of state is not limited to a specific place and extends wherever the office holder is located. Decisions can be made from any location, including a hospital.
After accepting the resignation, the Governor may ask the outgoing Chief Minister to serve in a caretaker role until a new government is formed. The resignation must be clear and leave no ambiguity at the time of acceptance.
