Today, on 10th September, In the ongoing Presidential Reference Row, the Centre told the Supreme Court that the Governor is not a servant of the government but an independent constitutional office, exercising implied discretion to uphold and defend the Constitution in crucial circumstances.
Explore the Governor’s role in India as a constitutional guardian or political agent of the Centre, highlighting controversies, key reforms, and Supreme Court safeguards ensuring democratic governance.
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.
The Supreme Court will hear Punjab’s plea against the Governor referring two bills to the President. SG Tushar Mehta said, “Since this involves the same constitutional questions, let all such matters be heard together before the Constitution Bench,” but Singhvi objected.
Timelines For Assent To Bills | The Union of India told the Supreme Court that Governors and the President enjoy a “high prerogative” in deciding on Bills and courts cannot set deadlines. A Constitution Bench will hear the Presidential reference from August 19.
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.
The Delhi High Court has temporarily stayed the CAG’s proposed audit of Ajmer Sharif Dargah’s accounts, citing procedural lapses under the CAG Act. The court found a prima facie case suggesting violations in audit initiation.
