Question

The excerpt given below shows which feature of the Indian Constitution: Unitary or Federal? Give a reason to support your answer.

The Raj Bhavan (Kerala), in an official communication, said, “Hon’ble President of India has withheld assent to the following Bills which Hon’ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan had referred to Rashtrapati Bhavan for consideration...Of the seven bills that Governor Arif Mohammed Khan referred to Rashtrapati Bhavan in November last year, assent has been accorded to only one Bill, namely, the Kerala Lokayukta Amendment Bill 2022. Decision on the other three Bills is awaited.” - Indian Express February 29, 2024

Answer 1

The excerpt shows the Unitary feature of the Indian Constitution.

Reason:This emphasises the federal government’s control over provincial laws, given that the President holds the ultimate authority to approve or reject legislation enacted by a State Assembly upon the Governor’s recommendation. Such control underscores the legislative dominance of the Central Government, reflecting a distinct unitary characteristic of India's constitutional setup.