Article 201 of Indian Constitution, Background, Importance

 Article 201 comes under Part VI of the Constitution of India. The article covers the legislative process at the state level, especially related to the President’s assent to bills reserved by the Governor for consideration. This principle helps maintain a system of checks and balances for both the centre and the state and maintain a balanced federal structure of India. In this article, we are going to cover all about article 201, its interpretation, provisions and significance. 

Article 201 of Indian Constitution Background

To protect the national interests and ensure constitutional alignment, the framers of the Constitution of India gave power to the President of India to overlook some state bills using Article 201. This article is applicable to legislation that affects the judiciary and wider national implications. 

Article 201 of Constitution of India Interpretation

Article 201 provides the process under which a state legislature passes a bill that is reserved by the Governor for the President’s consideration. Under such cases, the President can: 

• Give assent to the bill that becomes a law
• Withhold assent to the bill and it does not become a law
• Return the bill (Money bill cannot be returned)-  The President can return it with recommendations. The State Legislature must reconsider it within 6 months. If passed again (with or without changes), it is sent back for Presidential assent.

This provision ensures rigorous scrutiny of State laws that have broader constitutional or judicial consequences.

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Article 201 Landmark Judgements 

Article 201 was considered for the following Legal Judgements: 

• Hoechst Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. State of Bihar (1983) 

 The Supreme Court held that the Presidential assent cures repugnancy—a State law conflicting with Central law becomes valid once the President assents.

• Kohito Marak v. State of Meghalaya (2019)
  The Meghalaya High Court said that once a Bill is reserved for the President, his assent is very important for the Bill to become law.

Article 201 Importance

Article 201 has the following significance: 

• Protect Federal Balance – Makes sure that State laws do not override national interest.
  
• Keeps Judicial Independence Safe – Any law affecting High Court powers requires Presidential interference.
  
• Promotes Uniformity – Helps bring consistency in laws across States on issues of national importance.