How does the President's power to grant or withhold assent to state bills affect federal relations in India?

The President of India has the constitutional authority to grant or withhold assent to bills passed by state legislatures, especially when such bills are reserved by the Governor for the President's consideration. This power plays a significant role in shaping the federal structure and the relationship between the Centre and the states.

• Central Oversight on State Legislation: The President’s power ensures that state laws do not conflict with national interests, the Constitution, or central laws. This acts as a check on the legislative powers of states.
• Impact on State Autonomy: When the President withholds assent, it can be seen as a restriction on the legislative independence of states. States may feel that their unique needs and policy choices are being overridden by the Centre.
• Potential for Political Tensions: If the Centre and the state are ruled by different political parties, withholding assent can lead to accusations of political bias and increase friction between the two levels of government.
• Uniformity vs. Regional Diversity: This power helps maintain uniformity in important matters across the country. However, it can also limit the ability of states to address region-specific issues through legislation.
• Examples like the Anti-NEET Bill: In cases such as the anti-NEET Bill from Tamil Nadu, the President’s refusal to grant assent has led to debates about the extent of state powers in the federal structure and the role of the Centre in state matters.
• Cooperative Federalism: Ideally, this power should promote dialogue and cooperation between the Centre and states. However, frequent withholding of assent without clear reasons can undermine cooperative federalism and trust.