Archive · 9 Jun 2025
President Seeks Court Opinion on Bill Assent Timelines
The President of India asked the Supreme Court for advice on how long they have to make decisions on state bills.
This is because some people think the courts are getting too involved in areas that should be handled by the government.
The main question is, can the courts tell the President how much time they have to make a decision?
The Chief Justice of India has said that the Constitution is the most important rule and that all parts of the government, like the courts and the government, must work together.
There are debates about whether the courts are stepping too far into the government's role.
This has led to suggestions for new ways to review laws.
President Murmu sought Supreme Court opinion on judicial timelines for state bill assent, invoking Article 143.
The reference aims to clarify presidential and gubernatorial discretion regarding state legislation.
CJI Gavai asserted the Constitution's supremacy, emphasizing the judiciary's role in upholding it.
The article discusses debates on judicial overreach and the balance of power within the government.
A proposal suggests a multi-tiered legislative review process to enhance legislative efficiency.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu, Chief Justice of India Gavai, and constitutional analysts.
- What
- President sought Supreme Court opinion on timelines for assent to state bills, raising concerns of judicial overreach.
- When
- About a month ago, the President sought Supreme Court opinion.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India.
- Why
- To clarify the boundaries of Presidential and Gubernatorial discretion and the scope of judicial review.
Judicial Activism Debate
Views on Judicial Overreach
Judicial Power
Judicial Activism Debate
Concerns exist that the judiciary oversteps its bounds, potentially infringing on the powers of the Legislature or Executive.
Views on Judicial Overreach
The Supreme Court's role is to interpret and uphold the Constitution through judicial review.
Parliament vs. Judiciary
Judicial Activism Debate
Judicial activism may lead to the judiciary contradicting the spirit of the Constitution.
Views on Judicial Overreach
The Constitution is supreme, not any single branch of government, including the judiciary or the executive.
- President of India
- Droupadi Murmu
- Article Referenced
- Article 143
- Issue
- Judicially-imposed timelines for bill assent
- Chief Justice of India
- Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
- Key Concept
- Constitutional Supremacy
- Branches of government
- Legislative, Executive, and Judicial