The Supreme Court has upheld Madhya Pradesh Governor LaljiTandon’s March month decision asking the then Kamal Nath led-Congress government to prove majority by holding a floor test in the Legislative Assembly after the resignation of 22 Congress MLAs.
A Governor’s power to call for a floor test is not restricted only before the inception of a State government immediately after elections, but continues throughout its term.
While directing a trust vote, the Governor should not favour a particular political party.
A Governor need not wait for the Speaker’s decision on the resignation of rebel MLAs before calling for a trust vote.