Question of the Day – SUPREME COURT CLARIFICATION ON GOVERNOR’S POWERS TO ASSENT BILLS
QOTD April7,2026
With reference to the Governor’s powers regarding assent to bills, consider the following statements:
- The Governor can withhold assent to a bill indefinitely without any constitutional limitation.
- The Governor can reserve a bill for the consideration of the President.
- The Governor is bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in such matters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
The Supreme Court clarified that Governors cannot indefinitely delay assent and must act within a reasonable time.
Statement 2 is correct
Under Article 200, the Governor can reserve certain bills for the consideration of the President.
Statement 3 is correct
The Governor generally acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers as per constitutional principles.
Why in news–
The Supreme Court of India recently clarified the powers of Governors regarding assent to state bills, emphasizing that Governors cannot indefinitely delay action on bills passed by state legislatures. The Court highlighted that constitutional authorities must act within a reasonable time and in accordance with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, reinforcing the principles of federalism and democratic governance.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements regarding Article 200 of the Constitution:
- It deals with the Governor’s assent to bills passed by the State Legislature.
- The Governor has no option to return a bill once passed by the legislature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) both 1 and 2
(d) neither 1 nor 2
Answer : (a) 1 only
Explanation:
statement 1 is correct
Article 200 provides for assent, withholding, returning, or reserving a bill.
statement 2 is incorrect
The Governor can return a non-money bill for reconsideration.
PQ2. With reference to the role of the Governor, consider the following statements:
- The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
- The Governor acts as a constitutional head of the state.
- The Governor has absolute discretion in all legislative matters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
statement 1 is correct
The Governor is appointed by the President under Article 155.
statement 2 is correct
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state.
statement 3 is incorrect
The Governor does not have absolute discretion and is generally bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers.
PQ3. Consider the following statements:
- A Money Bill cannot be returned by the Governor for reconsideration.
- A bill reserved by the Governor must be considered by the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) both 1 and 2
(d) neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Money Bills cannot be returned by the Governor.
Statement 2 is correct
Bills reserved by the Governor are sent to the President for consideration.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
- Sending a report to the President of India for imposing President’s Rule
- Appointing the Ministers
- Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
The Governor can send a report recommending President’s Rule under Article 356.
Statement 2 is incorrect
The Governor appoints ministers but not at his/her discretion; it is based on majority support in the assembly.
Statement 3 is correct
Reserving bills for the President is a discretionary power.
