Thu Feb 06 07:59:12 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Urges Supreme Court for Speedy Hearing on Governor’s Bill Delays
**NEW DELHI, February 6, 2025** – The state of Kerala is pushing for an expedited Supreme Court hearing on its petition challenging the alleged undue delays by Governors in assenting to Bills passed by state legislatures. The petition argues that this delay, particularly in opposition-ruled states, constitutes an “endemic” problem undermining the democratic process.
Advocate C.K. Sasi, representing Kerala, brought the matter before Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, noting the court’s current hearing of a similar petition filed by Tamil Nadu against Governor R.N. Ravi. Chief Justice Khanna indicated that Kerala’s petition would be listed for hearing in March.
The Kerala case, initially heard in November 2023, highlighted the prolonged delays – ranging from eight to 23 months – affecting eight key Bills. The state argued that the Governor, while part of the state legislature, cannot obstruct the will of elected representatives. The court then issued a notice to the Kerala Governor’s office.
Following subsequent hearings, some Bills were addressed; one was assented to, and seven were referred to the President. However, Kerala’s counsel, senior advocate K.K. Venugopal, questioned the basis for this referral, demanding clarification on whether it violated constitutional provisions regarding consistency between central and state laws or encroached on the Union List. The then Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized that the Governor’s power cannot be used to obstruct democratic law-making. The Attorney General acknowledged both political and non-political aspects to the situation, but the Chief Justice stressed the need for gubernatorial accountability. The court ultimately emphasized that Governors cannot exercise their power arbitrarily.
First Piper 