The oath of office to the Governor of a state is administered by the:

Under Article 159, every Governor, before entering upon his office, makes and subscribes an oath or affirmation in the presence of the Chief Justice of the High Court exercising jurisdiction in relation to the state. In his absence, the oath is administered by the senior-most judge of that court available.

Contents of the oath:

• The Governor swears to faithfully execute the office of Governor.
• He swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law to the best of his ability.
• He swears to devote himself to the service and well-being of the people of the state.

Similarity with the President's oath:

• The Governor's oath is similar to that of the President under Article 60.
• The President's oath is administered by the Chief Justice of India.

Persons discharging the functions of the Governor:

Any person discharging the functions of the Governor also takes a similar oath.

Appointment of the Governor:

• The Governor is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal (Article 155).
• He must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years of age.
• He should not be a member of Parliament or of a state legislature, and should not hold any office of profit.

Recommendations on appointing Governors:

The Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions recommended that a Governor should be an eminent person from outside the state and not closely connected with politics.

Constitutional head:

• The Governor is the constitutional head of the state.
• He acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where the Constitution allows him to act in his discretion.

Oaths of other state officials:

• The Governor administers the oath to the Chief Minister and other state ministers.
• Members of the state legislature take their oath before the Governor or a person appointed by him.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The President, the Chief Justice of India and the Speaker do not administer the Governor's oath.