Archive · 21 Nov 2025
SC Clarifies Governor's Powers on State Bills; Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana Bills Pending
The Supreme Court said Governors can't keep Bills passed by state assemblies forever.
Many Bills in Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana are waiting for the President or Governor's approval.
The SC didn't set deadlines for these decisions, but said Governors must return Bills to the Assembly if they withhold assent.
SC held that Governors don't have 'unfettered' powers to sit on Bills indefinitely
Bills pending for President's assent in Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana
SC ruled out 'deemed assent' for Bills, but didn't set timelines for Governors/President
Karnataka's 4% Muslim reservation Bill among pending Bills
Kerala's University Laws (Amendment) Bills pending since Arif Mohammed Khan's tenure
- Who
- Governors, State Assemblies, Supreme Court
- What
- Clarified powers of Governors on State Bills
- When
- November 2023
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address disputes over Governors' powers and delays in assenting to Bills
Governors' Powers
State Assemblies' Rights
Governors' Power to Withhold Assent
Governors' Powers
Unfettered power to sit on Bills indefinitely
State Assemblies' Rights
Derogates from federalism and principle of separation of powers
- Pending Karnataka Bills
- 10
- Pending Kerala Bills
- Several, including University Laws (Amendment) Bills
- Pending Telangana Bills
- BC quota Bill, MLC nomination of Mohammad Azharuddin
Sources
DC Edit | Governors and Bills: More Clarity By SC Was Needed
Ruling Cong leaders in T’gana take exception to BC quota bill, others ‘pending’ with Guv
Ten bills passed by Karnataka legislature pending for President”s assent: Officials
Several bills passed by Kerala assembly await Guv”s approval
Options, discretion, immunity: Court reply to Presidential reference on governor
Can’t fix timelines for Prez, Governors to act on Bills: SC
SC takes a welcome step back, restores a judicious balance
By removing timelines for governors and President, Supreme Court safeguards India’s constitutional architecture
