What Is Constitution Of India Article 201?

Constitution Of India Article 201: Bills Reserved for Consideration

When a Bill is reserved by a Governor for the consideration of the President, the President shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom:

Provided that, where the Bill is not a Money Bill, the President may direct the Governor to return the Bill to the House or, as the case may be, the Houses of the Legislature of the State together with such a message as is mentioned in the first proviso to Article 200.

When a Bill is so returned, the House or Houses shall reconsider it accordingly within a period of six months from the date of receipt of such message and, if it is again passed by the House or Houses with or without amendment, it shall be presented again to the President for his consideration.

Brief Detail

Article 201 of the Indian Constitution deals with the procedure when a Bill passed by the State Legislature is reserved for the President’s consideration. The President has the authority to either approve or withhold assent. If the Bill is not a Money Bill, the President may direct the Governor to return it for reconsideration by the State Legislature.

Question & Answers

What happens when a Bill is reserved for the President’s consideration?

When a Bill is reserved for the President’s consideration, the President can either give assent, withhold assent, or return it for reconsideration if it is not a Money Bill.

What is the timeline for reconsideration by the State Legislature?

If the Bill is returned by the President, the State Legislature must reconsider and pass it within six months before presenting it again for the President’s approval.

Example

Suppose a State Legislature passes a law related to land reforms, and the Governor reserves it for the President’s approval. The President, if not satisfied, may return it with suggestions for reconsideration. The State Legislature must then review it and resubmit it within six months.

Summary

Article 201 ensures that certain State Bills undergo scrutiny at the national level by requiring the President's approval, thereby maintaining legal uniformity across the country.