New Delhi, July 22: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and all state governments on a Presidential reference concerning whether fixed timelines can be imposed on the President and Governors for acting on bills passed by state legislatures.
A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud—comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P.S. Narasimha, and A.S. Chandurkar—directed the responses to be submitted by next Tuesday, noting the matter’s national significance. The bench said it will fix a schedule for the hearing on July 29 and intends to begin proceedings by mid-August.
The reference arises from a historic move in May, when President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 143(1) of the Constitution to consult the apex court. She raised 14 critical questions stemming from the Supreme Court’s April 8 judgment, which for the first time established a three-month deadline for the President to act on bills sent to her by Governors.
Article 143(1) empowers the President to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on questions of law or fact of significant public importance. In her five-page reference, the President sought clarity on the constitutional roles and obligations of the President and Governors under Articles 200 and 201 while dealing with bills passed by state assemblies.
The Supreme Court’s April ruling had emerged from a dispute involving the Tamil Nadu government, which had challenged delays by the Governor in processing bills passed by its assembly.
The outcome of the court’s opinion could have far-reaching implications on federal legislative procedures and the powers of constitutional authorities. (Agencies)
