Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Supreme Court Hears Presidential Reference on Governor's Powers
The President asked the Supreme Court for advice on how long Governors can take to approve laws passed by states.
This is because the Supreme Court had already told the President to approve laws within a certain time.
The President can ask the Supreme Court for help on important legal questions, but the court's advice doesn't have to be followed.
This is a special power given by the constitution.
The court will listen to both sides and give their opinion.
This helps the President act on legal and constitutional matters.
Sometimes, the court doesn't give an answer if the matter is already being dealt with in another court.
President Murmu referred questions to the Supreme Court regarding timelines for Governors to act on bills.
The reference stems from a Supreme Court ruling setting a deadline for the President to clear bills.
Article 143(1) allows the President to seek the Supreme Court's opinion on legal or factual questions.
The Supreme Court's opinion in advisory jurisdiction is not binding.
This power has been used 15 times since 1950 with two references returned without answers.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu, Supreme Court, and state Governors
- What
- Presidential reference to the Supreme Court regarding timelines for Governors to act on bills.
- When
- May 2024
- Where
- India
- Why
- To seek guidance on the power of Governors to withhold bills and clarify timelines.
Advocates for Clarity and Limits on Governor Powers
Advocates for Governor's Discretion and Powers
Governor's Discretion vs. Legislative Timeliness
Advocates for Clarity and Limits on Governor Powers
Advocate for fixed timelines for Governors to prevent undue delays in legislative processes.
Advocates for Governor's Discretion and Powers
Argue Governors should have the discretion to withhold bills and scrutinize them extensively.
- Article 143(1)
- Allows President to seek SC opinion.
- SC's Advisory Opinion
- Not binding on the President.
- Reference Origin
- From an SC ruling regarding Tamil Nadu Governor.
- Reference by President
- 14-point reference to the SC.
- Number of References
- 15 since 1950
- Article 145(3)
- Minimum five judges required to hear the reference.