Question

The Governor of a state receives a bill passed by the Legislative Assembly of that state for resettlement of citizen in that state affecting the general laws of citizenship of India.

Which of the following courses would be most appropriate for the Governor as an agent of the Centre?

• A. Give assent to the Bill
• B. Refer the Bill to the President
• C. Keep the Bill pending
• D. Exercise veto over the Bill

Answer 1

The correct option is B Refer the Bill to the President

The Governor reserves a Bill for Presidential assent:

(i) if the bill is unconstitutional,

(ii) if it is against the larger interest of the country,

(iii) if it is in direct opposition to the Directive Princi­ples of State Policy{31(C)},

(iv) if the bill passed by the state legislature is of grave national importance,

(v) if it endangers the position of the High Court and

(vi) if the bill, deals with the compulsory acquisition of property under Article 31(A).

Citizenship is matter of national importance therefore the Governor must refer it to the President.