Dr. Sudha Yadav was sworn in as Governor of Karnataka at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on 16 October 2026. President Droupadi Murmu appointed her to the office on 12 October 2026. Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru administered the oath of office and secrecy.
Appointment and succession
Yadav succeeded Thaawarchand Gehlot, who had served as Karnataka Governor from 11 July 2021. She is the second woman to hold the office, after V.S. Ramadevi. The Constitution provides for a Governor in each state, although the same person may be appointed Governor of two or more states.
Constitutional position of the Governor
Article 153 of the Constitution provides for the office of Governor. Under Article 155, the President appoints a Governor by warrant under their hand and seal. Article 156 states that the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President and normally serves a five-year term, subject to that provision. Article 157 requires a Governor to be a citizen of India and at least 35 years old. Article 159 prescribes the oath or affirmation, which a state’s High Court Chief Justice administers; in their absence, the senior-most available judge of that High Court administers it. The oath requires the Governor to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law. The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, while the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister aids and advises the Governor under Article 163, except in functions where the Constitution provides for discretion. Under Article 200, the Governor may assent to a state Bill, withhold assent, return a non-Money Bill for reconsideration, or reserve a Bill for the President.
Education and public life
Yadav is a former Lok Sabha member from Mahendragarh in Haryana and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Board. She holds an MSc and a PhD in Chemistry from IIT Roorkee. Her entry into politics followed the death of her husband, Sukhbir Singh Yadav, a BSF Deputy Commandant killed during the 1999 Kargil War.
Important Facts for Exams
- Article 153 provides for a Governor for each state.
- Article 155 governs the appointment of a state Governor by the President.
- Article 157 sets the minimum age for a Governor at 35 years.
- Article 159 prescribes the Governor’s oath or affirmation.
Yadav took the oath at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on 16 October 2026. Her appointment was made by President Droupadi Murmu under Article 155 of the Constitution.
