Article 111 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Assent to Bills by the President of India.
📜 Text of Article 111:
When a Bill has been passed by both the Houses of Parliament, it shall be presented to the President, and the President shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom:
Provided that the President may, as soon as possible after the presentation to him of a Bill for assent, return the Bill if it is not a Money Bill, with a request for reconsideration by the Houses.
And if the Bill is passed again by the Houses with or without amendment and presented to the President, the President shall not withhold assent therefrom.
✅ Key Points:
-
Assent Required:
After both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) pass a Bill, it is sent to the President for approval. -
President's Options:
-
Give assent (Bill becomes law).
-
Withhold assent (veto the Bill).
-
Return the Bill (only if it is not a Money Bill) for reconsideration by Parliament.
-
-
Reconsideration Clause:
-
If the Bill is returned and passed again by both Houses (with or without amendments), the President must give assent.
-
This is called a "suspensive veto"—President can delay, but not block indefinitely.
-
❌ Cannot Return a Money Bill:
-
The President cannot return a Money Bill for reconsideration.
-
Must either give assent or withhold it (i.e., absolute veto).
🏛️ Importance:
-
Article 111 ensures a check and balance between the Legislature and the Executive.
-
It provides the President with limited power to delay legislation, but not to block it permanently (except in the case of a private member’s bill or non-government bill where he can withhold assent).
Follow Us