SC advisory opinion on governors' role sparks debate

The Supreme Court of India recently gave an advisory opinion on the role of governors in clearing bills passed by state legislatures.

The court said that governors cannot be given a strict time limit to clear bills, but they also cannot sit on bills indefinitely.

Some people think this opinion is flawed because it does not clearly define what 'prolonged' inaction means.

They argue that governors, who are not elected by the people, should not have so much power over elected legislatures.

The debate goes back to the time when India's Constitution was being written, where leaders like B.R. Ambedkar said governors should have limited, 'ornamental' roles.

Some even suggested that the position of governor might not be necessary if their functions are not useful.