When a Governor Sits on a Bill: What the Law Really Allows

A Governor has four choices on a passed bill: assent, withhold, return for reconsideration, or reserve it for the President.

The Constitution sets no deadline, so 'pocket veto' delay became the real weapon in Centre-state fights.

The 2025 Supreme Court Tamil Nadu verdict read in timelines (one to three months) and recognised 'deemed assent'.

A reserved bill goes to the President under Article 201, who can sit on it indefinitely.

A Presidential Reference under Article 143 has put the whole question before a larger Constitution Bench.