When the Indian Parliament passed a bill known as the Indian Post Office (amendment) bill in 1986, who was the President of India who did not take any decision on this bill?

Gyani Zail Singh

The correct answer is Option 1 -Gyani Zail Singh

There is no time limit on the President for giving his assent to a bill. Such a thing has already happened in India. In 1986, the Parliament passed a bill known as the Indian Post Office (amendment) bill. This bill was widely criticised by many for it sought to curtail the freedom of the press. The then President, Gyani Zail Singh, did not take any decision on this bill. After his term was over, the next President, Venkataraman sent the bill finally back to the Parliament for reconsideration. By that time, the government that brought the bill before the Parliament had changed and a new government was elected in 1989. This government belonged to a different coalition and did not bring the bill back before the Parliament. Thus, Zail Singh’s decision to postpone giving assent to the bill effectively meant that the bill could never become a law!