Archive · 15 Sep 2025
SC to Decide Powers of President, Governors on Bills
Imagine the President and Governors are like the people who decide if a new law gets made.
They need to say yes or no to bills.
The Supreme Court is now figuring out how much power these people have.
The Court is looking at whether the Governors are taking too long to make decisions, which could be a problem.
The states want the Governors to quickly agree with their decisions.
The central government believes Governors should be able to take their time.
The court will decide how much power each side has.
The Supreme Court is hearing a reference from President Murmu on the powers of the President and Governors to grant assent to Bills.
The reference follows a ruling criticizing delays by the Tamil Nadu Governor in approving Bills.
A key issue is the extent of the Governor’s power and whether timelines should be set for them to act.
The Centre argues for a more enhanced role for Governors and the ability to exercise discretion.
The states are advocating for Governors to be bound by their Councils of Ministers, and oppose the centre's view
- Who
- The Supreme Court, President Murmu, Governors, State Governments, and the Centre
- What
- Arguments and counterarguments on the powers of the President and Governors in giving assent to Bills.
- When
- The Supreme Court has finished hearing arguments.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India.
- Why
- To clarify the limits of judicial review and executive action regarding bill assent, and to address concerns about delays by Governors.
State Governments
Central Government
Governor's Discretion
State Governments
Governors should be bound by the state's elected government.
Central Government
Governors should have more discretionary power.
Judicial Timelines
State Governments
Supports judicial intervention to set timelines for Governors.
Central Government
Opposes setting strict timelines for Governors, and wants resolution through political dialogue.
States' Rights
State Governments
States should have the right to file petitions regarding Governor actions.
Central Government
Contests the states' ability to use Article 32 to enforce their rights.
- Event
- Supreme Court hearing Presidential reference
- Reference
- Presidential reference on assent to Bills
- Focus
- Powers of President and Governors regarding Bills
- Court's Role
- Advisory jurisdiction under Article 143(1)
- Key Issue
- Setting timelines for assent to Bills