📜 Article 201 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Bills reserved for consideration of the President
🔹 Text Summary:
Article 201 deals with the procedure after a State Bill is reserved for the President's consideration by the Governor under Article 200. It specifies what the President can do and the binding nature of his decision.
📌 Clause-wise Explanation:
| Clause | Provision |
|---|---|
| ✅ | When a Bill passed by a State Legislature is reserved by the Governor for the consideration of the President, the President may either: |
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Give assent to the Bill → it becomes law
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Withhold assent → the Bill is rejected
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Direct the Governor to return the Bill (if it is not a Money Bill) to the State Legislature with recommendations. |
| ✅ | If the State Legislature passes the Bill again with or without modifications, the Bill must again be reserved for the President’s consideration.
👉 The President is not bound to give assent, even after reconsideration. |
🧠 Key Takeaways:
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Article 201 gives the President the final say on State Bills reserved under Article 200.
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Applies to constitutional, national interest, or legally sensitive Bills passed by State Legislatures.
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The President is not bound by the Legislature’s re-passage of the Bill.
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This provides a check on State autonomy in favor of national unity and constitutional compliance.
🔁 Example Scenario:
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Tamil Nadu passes a Bill banning NEET exam.
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Governor reserves it for the President.
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President may:
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Give assent → Bill becomes law.
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Withhold assent → Bill is rejected.
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Return (if not a Money Bill) with suggestions → State passes it again.
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Even after re-passage, President can still withhold assent.
⚖️ Related Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 200 | Governor’s options after a Bill is passed |
| 201 | President’s options for reserved Bills |
| 254 | Conflict between Central and State laws |
| 213 | Governor’s ordinance-making power |
🏛️ Real-Life Application:
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Common in politically sensitive or controversial Bills:
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Education-related laws
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Religious conversion laws
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Anti-CAA resolutions
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Language or reservation Bills
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