Governor cannot change his mind second time

Context & Background

• Article 200 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Governor’s powers with respect to assent to Bills passed by the State Legislature.
• In the Tamil Nadu case, the Governor withheld assent to 10 Bills in the first instance.
• When the Tamil Nadu Assembly re-passed the same Bills (as per first proviso to Article 200), the Governor then referred them to the President — triggering a constitutional dispute.

Relevance : GS2 ( Polity & Governance)

Key Supreme Court Observations

• Governor has no second chance to refer a Bill to the President:
  • If a Bill is re-passed and presented again, the Governor must give assent — he cannot withhold it or reserve it for the President.
• Reference to Article 200:
  • Once the Assembly reconsiders and re-passes the Bill under the first proviso to Article 200, the Governor “shall not withhold assent”.
  • This creates a constitutional mandate — not a discretion.
• Reservation for President’s consideration (Article 200 & 201) must be done only in the first instance, if required.
• Governor’s decision not bona fide:
  • The court found the TN Governor’s action of withholding once, then referring to the President later, as not made in good faith.
• Historical comparison:
  • The Court noted the removal of the phrase “in his discretion” from Section 75 of the Government of India Act, 1935, when evolving into Article 200.
  • This indicates that Governors no longer enjoy independent discretion in such matters under the Constitution.

Constitutional Provisions Referenced

• Article 200:
  • Allows Governor to:
    • Assent to a Bill
    • Withhold assent
    • Reserve the Bill for the President
    • Return the Bill (if not a Money Bill) for reconsideration
  • First Proviso: If the Bill is returned and re-passed, the Governor must give assent — no other options.
• Article 201:
  • Deals with Bills reserved for President’s consideration.

 Legal and Governance Implications

• Curtails misuse of constitutional provisions by Governors for political or arbitrary reasons.
• Reinforces legislative supremacy of the elected State Assembly after reconsideration.
• Establishes that Governor is a constitutional figurehead, not an independent veto-wielding authority.
• Prevents executive delay tactics — promotes accountability and adherence to constitutional timeframes.
• Sets precedent: Strengthens the constitutional convention and judicial oversight over gubernatorial overreach.