📜 Article 200 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Assent to Bills
🔹 Text Summary:
Article 200 outlines the options available to the Governor of a State after a Bill is passed by the State Legislature (either unicameral or bicameral).
📌 Governor's Options under Article 200:
When a Bill is presented to the Governor after being passed by the State Legislature, the Governor can:
| Option | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ✅ Assent to the Bill | The Governor signs the Bill, and it becomes law. |
| 🔄 Withhold Assent | The Governor rejects the Bill (very rare in practice). |
| 🔁 Return the Bill | If it is not a Money Bill, the Governor can return it to the Legislature with suggestions. If passed again with or without changes, the Governor must give assent. |
| 🔼 Reserve the Bill for President | The Governor may reserve the Bill for consideration of the President, especially if: |
| – It conflicts with Union laws, or | |
| – Affects national interest, or | |
| – Is of constitutional importance. |
⚠️ Important Notes:
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Money Bills cannot be returned to the Legislature by the Governor. He can only assent or reserve them for the President.
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Once a Bill is passed again by the Legislature after being returned, the Governor must give assent (no discretion).
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There is no fixed time limit mentioned for the Governor to act, but delays are often criticized.
🧠 Key Takeaways:
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Article 200 gives the Governor an important role in the legislative process of the State.
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It ensures checks and balances and provides scope for President’s intervention when necessary.
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Used especially for Bills that:
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May violate the Constitution
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Are against national policy
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Involve issues in the Concurrent List
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📌 Real-Life Examples:
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In Tamil Nadu and Punjab, Governors have delayed assent to various Bills, creating political tension.
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In some cases, Bills have been reserved for the President due to constitutional or legal concerns.
⚖️ Related Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 198–199 | State Money Bills – introduction and process |
| 201 | President’s action on reserved state Bills |
| 111 | President's options after a bill is passed by Parliament |
| 254 | Conflict between state and central laws |
📄 Summary Flowchart of Governor’s Role:
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✅ Receives Bill
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🖊️ Assent → Becomes Law
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🔄 Return (Non-Money Bill only) → Passed again → Must assent
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❌ Withhold (very rare)
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🔼 Reserve for President
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