Supreme Court Resumes Presidential Reference Hearing Today

Quick Summary

• The Supreme Court of india is hearing a presidential Reference on whether courts can impose timelines for Governors and the President to act on bills passed by State Assemblies.
• Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai,on September 10,2025,questioned instances where Governors delayed assent to bills for years,highlighting concerns about gubernatorial delays in Opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Solicitor General tushar Mehta defended past governors’ conduct as collaborative over the decades but dismissed Opposition claims that such delays increased under NDA rule post-2014 as a “false alarm.”
• senior advocate P. Wilson argued that a bill reflects political will; delays could undermine state functioning without set timelines for Governor’s actions or court intervention.

!Supreme Court flags Governors sitting on Bills as Center terms dispute a ‘false alarm’

Indian Opinion Analysis

The case raises essential questions about the balance of power between state governments and gubernatorial authorities in India’s federal framework. While Solicitor General Mehta argues ancient collaboration by governors has generally been consistent, Chief Justice Gavai’s remarks address genuine concerns over prolonged delays impacting governance. Arbitrary withholding of bills may dilute democratic processes if it significantly hinders legislative progress intended by elected representatives.

Establishing clear procedural timelines could formalize accountability while respecting constitutional principles-a point underscored in legal arguments from Tamil Nadu’s representative during proceedings.The debate also speaks to broader issues of federal-state relations within India’s often politically polarized habitat but must prioritize pragmatic solutions enhancing institutional efficiency above partisanship.

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