Governor's Assent to State Bills: The Constitutional Position

Why is this in the news?

Disputes between some State governments and Governors over pending Bills have once again brought Article 200 and Article 201 into public debate.

Options before the Governor under Article 200

1. Give assent to the Bill.
2. Withhold assent.
3. Return the Bill (if not a Money Bill) with a message for reconsideration.
4. Reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President.

Article 201

When a Bill is reserved, the President may give or withhold assent, or direct the Governor to return it to the Legislature for reconsideration.

Recommendations of commissions

• Sarkaria Commission — reservation of Bills should be rare and used only in cases of clear constitutional concern.
• Punchhi Commission — suggested time limits for decisions on Bills.