Today, On 28th August, during the presidential reference hearing, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the Supreme Court that the Governor cannot act as a judge and must assent to Bills, stressing that withholding powers cannot mean sleeping over Bills forever without action or decision.
Today, On 28th August, in the Presidential Reference Row, Tamil Nadu told the Supreme Court that a Governor cannot act like a super Chief Minister and is not part of the legislation of the State, stressing that his role is only limited to the legislative process.
Today, On 28th August, In the ongoing Presidential Reference before the Supreme Court, Centre told the Supreme Court that a Governor does not represent the Union of India but only the President, clarifying the constitutional position on gubernatorial authority during a key hearing on the scope of judicial review and Article 361.
Today, On 28th August, In the ongoing Presidential Reference before the Supreme Court,Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that a State government is a constitutional body and cannot claim fundamental rights, stressing that it cannot move a writ petition under Article 32.
The Kerala High Court Today (Aug 27) dismissed a plea by Congress leaders VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala seeking a court-monitored investigation into the Safe Kerala AI Camera Project. The Court said no evidence of malafide or illegality was shown.
Today, On 26th August, The Supreme Court on Day 5 of the Presidential Reference hearing questioned if it must remain powerless when Governors withhold assent to State Bills for years, stressing that indefinite delays cannot stall the democratic process or override legislative will.
Today, On 26th August, In the ongoing Presidential Reference before the Supreme Court, Puducherry argued that a Governor’s inaction on bills cannot always be seen as unconstitutional delay, stressing before the Constitution Bench that “not taking a decision is also a decision.”
Today, On 26th August, ASG strongly criticized the Supreme Court during the Presidential Reference hearing, saying constitutionality cannot be based on “what judges want it to be,” while opposing fixed timelines for President and Governors to decide on state bills.
Today, On 26th August, Presidential Reference Row, Harish Salve told the Supreme Court that courts cannot dictate the Governor’s power under Article 200, stressing it does not impose a time limit and Governors must act with constitutional balance and legislative respect.
Today, On 26th August, CJI B.R. Gavai raised a sharp question in the Supreme Court during the hearing on Governors’ powers, asking if a bill passed in 2020 can still be kept pending in 2025, stressing that indefinite delay undermines democracy.
