The Supreme Court gave a constitutional ruling that clarified the powers of Governors and the President under Articles 200 and 201, ruling no judicial timelines or deemed assent can be imposed, while answering 11 of 14 Presidential Reference questions and leaving 3 unresolved.
Assent To Bills | Day 3 | The Supreme Court Constitution Bench Today (Aug 20) heard a crucial Presidential reference on whether Governors and the President can delay or withhold Bills passed by State legislatures indefinitely. Key debates focus on the interpretation of Article 200 and whether judicial timelines can restrict constitutional powers.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta Today (Aug 20) told the Supreme Court that the Governor’s office carries “sanctity” and cannot be treated as a political shelter. The Constitution gives the Governor independent powers, but the court questioned whether such powers could override elected governments.
Presidential Reference Row | The Supreme Court Today (Aug 20) asked if harmony between governors and state governments, as imagined by Constitution makers, is truly working today. Heated exchanges between CJI, Solicitor General, and senior lawyers brought humour and sharp constitutional debates.
The Supreme Court Constitution Bench Today (Aug 19) is hearing President Murmu’s reference on time limits for Governors to act on Bills. Kerala and Tamil Nadu oppose it, while the Centre backs it, leading to sharp legal exchanges.
As the Constitution Bench begins hearing today, CJI Gavai’s meeting with President Murmu sparks controversy. Has judicial neutrality and justice already been compromised?
Assent To Bills | Day 1 | Supreme Court Today (July 22) agreed to look into 14 important constitutional doubts raised by President Droupadi Murmu on how quickly Governors and the President must act on state bills. The hearing begins mid-August after fixing a timeline on July 29.
Today, On 14th July, The Supreme Court deferred Kerala’s plea on the Governor’s delay in bill assent after the Centre opposed its withdrawal. AG Venkataramani and SG Mehta urged tagging the matter with the pending presidential reference under Article 143.
Today, On 16th June, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Slammed Governor RN Ravi, saying he has not changed his ways despite the Supreme Court verdict and is deliberately holding back the Kalaignar University Bill, stalling key state development and welfare plans.
Tamil Nadu Governor cleared two Bills enabling nomination of persons with disabilities to local bodies, benefiting over 12,000 people. Reacting to the move, MK Stalin said, “He is afraid of the Supreme Court,” targeting the Governor.
