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.
Today, on 10th September, in the Presidential Reference Row, Advocate Avani Bansal tells the Supreme Court that citizens cannot be left helpless due to delays in gubernatorial decisions. Timely action is essential to prevent arbitrary use of powers by Governors and preserve constitutional governance.
Today, on 9th September, on Day 9 of the Presidential Reference Row on Assent to Bills, the Supreme Court was told that the Governor has no veto over bills passed by the State Legislature. This was submitted before the Court by Karnataka’s Subramanium and Kerala’s KKV, clarifying the Governor’s powers.
Today, on 9th September, in the Presidential Reference Row, Supreme Court stressed that every constitutional power carries an inbuilt duty of reasonableness. “To exercise a constitutional power reasonably is inherent, it need not be superimposed,” Justice Narasimha observed during the Governor’s assent hearing.
Today, on 9th September, in the Presidential Reference Row, Karnataka told the Supreme Court that discretionary powers of Governors are constitutionally limited, stressing that ultimate sovereignty lies with the people and governance in a parliamentary democracy functions only through Cabinet responsibility and legislative supremacy.
Today, On 3rd September, In the Presidential Reference hearing, Kapil Sibal representing state of West Bengal tells Supreme Court, “Governor blocking bills makes Constitution unworkable.” The state emphasized that such discretionary powers of the Governor undermine the cabinet form of government and the principles of collective responsibility enshrined in the Constitution.
