Governor’s Assent to Bills: Supreme Court Sets Timelines
Why in the news
The Supreme Court rebuked the Tamil Nadu Governor for stalling 10 bills and fixed deadlines for such decisions for the first time.
Key facts
- Article 200: Governor may assent, withhold or reserve a bill.
- Article 201: President’s power over reserved bills.
- Article 142: used to declare the bills deemed assented.
- The Governor has no discretion, acts on ministerial advice, and cannot exercise an absolute or pocket veto.
- A bill passed again cannot be reserved unless its content is materially changed.
| Situation | Limit |
|---|---|
| Withhold or reserve, on ministers’ advice | 1 month |
| Withhold and return, without that advice | 3 months |
| Bill passed a second time | 1 month |
Principles
- Delay offends federalism and democracy; missed deadlines invite judicial review.
- The Governor should be a facilitator, a friend, philosopher and guide.
Exam angle
- Articles 200, 201, 142.
- Ten bills; timelines 1, 3 and 1 months.