Archive · 19 May 2025
Presidential Reference to Court: Clarifying Roles on Bills
Imagine the President wants some legal advice from the Supreme Court.
The President is asking the Supreme Court questions about how long it should take for a governor or the President to sign a law passed by a state.
The Supreme Court can give its opinion, but the President doesn't have to follow it.
It's like asking a smart friend for help.
This all started because of a legal disagreement about how quickly these decisions should be made.
Some people think it's a waste of time, while others think it's important to have clear rules.
President Murmu requested the Supreme Court's opinion under Article 143 of the Constitution.
The reference follows a Supreme Court judgment on the timeline for governors and the President to act on state bills.
The government is seeking clarity on Articles 200 and 201 and the court's authority to set deadlines.
The Supreme Court's opinion is not binding, although it has persuasive value.
The advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is a legacy of the Government of India Act, 1935.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Court, and the Union government are key players.
- What
- President Murmu sought the Supreme Court's opinion on questions of law regarding the role of governors and presidents in approving bills.
- When
- Recent developments in the wake of a Tamil Nadu case, as of May 19, 2024.
- Where
- India, primarily concerning actions related to state legislatures and the Supreme Court.
- Why
- To seek clarity on the interpretation of constitutional articles related to the timeline of a governor or president to act on a bill.
Supreme Court
Government
Court vs. Government Authority
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has the authority to set timelines and review decisions by governors and the President on such bills.
Government
The government questions the court's authority to set timelines when not explicitly in the Constitution.
- Article Referenced
- 143 of the Constitution
- Referral By
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Purpose of Reference
- Seeking opinion on questions of law
- Number of Questions
- 14
- Court's Opinion
- Not binding on the President
- Historical Context
- Relic of Government of India Act, 1935
