Article 200 of Indian Constitution
Article 200 of the Indian Constitution
Text of Article 200:
"Assent to bills
When a Bill (other than a Money Bill) is passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State, it shall be presented to the Governor of the State for his assent. The Governor may—
(a) give his assent to the Bill; or
(b) withhold his assent; or
(c) reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President; or
(d) return the Bill (if it is not a Money Bill) to the Legislative Assembly for reconsideration, with or without recommendations."
Meaning & Importance:
Governor's Role:
After a state legislature passes a bill (except Money Bills), it must be sent to the Governor for assent to become law.
Governor's Options:
Give assent: Bill becomes law.
Withhold assent: Bill is rejected.
Reserve the Bill for President's consideration: Governor may refer the bill to the President if it is of special importance or conflicts with Union laws.
Return the Bill for reconsideration: Governor can send the bill back to the Assembly with recommendations. If the Assembly passes it again (with or without amendments), the Governor must give assent.
Additional Points:
Money Bills:
Article 200 does not apply to Money Bills; their assent is governed by Article 205.
Purpose:
Article 200 ensures a check on the state legislature's law-making, involving the Governor as a constitutional safeguard.
Governor’s discretion:
Although the Governor acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, the power to reserve a bill for the President’s consideration is discretionary.
Summary
| Action by Governor | Result |
|---|---|
| Assent given | Bill becomes state law |
| Assent withheld | Bill rejected |
| Bill reserved for President | President decides (may give assent or reject) |
| Bill returned for reconsideration | Legislature may reconsider; Governor must then give assent |
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