The Governor has some powers which he can use on his own discretion. These are called his discretionary powers.
The Governor can exercise these powers in the following cases :
- When no party holds a clear majority in the State Vidhan Sabha, he shall exercise his discretion in the appointment of the Chief Minister.
- In the event of the failure of the constitutional machinery in the state, he may recommend the imposition of the President’s rule in his state.
- To safeguard the interests of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in his state.
- To reserve any bill passed by the state legislature for the approval of the President.
- The Governor can dismiss the ministry if he is convinced that it has lost the majority support.