Wed Sep 03 04:57:26 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version in the style of a news article:

**Summary:**

The Supreme Court of India is hearing a Presidential Reference regarding the power of courts to set deadlines for Governors and the President to act on bills passed by state legislatures. During the hearing on September 2, 2025, three of the five judges, along with the States of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, suggested that Governors cannot indefinitely delay assenting to bills. They emphasized that such delays could impede the functioning of the Constitution. The Chief Justice cautioned against imposing a uniform timeline for all cases, suggesting that the judiciary may be overreaching.

**News Article:**

**Indian Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Governor Bill Assent Timelines**

**NEW DELHI, Sept. 3, 2025** – A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India continued hearing arguments on Wednesday regarding the contentious issue of whether courts can mandate timelines for Governors and the President to act on bills passed by state assemblies. The hearing stems from a Presidential Reference seeking clarity on the matter.

During proceedings on Tuesday, three of the five justices, along with representatives from the States of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, voiced concerns that Governors should not be able to indefinitely withhold assent from bills passed by state legislatures.

Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, along with Justices Vikram Nath and P.S. Narasimha, separately remarked that prolonged delays could undermine the wisdom of the legislature and potentially impede the functioning of the Constitution. Justice Narasimha stated forcefully, “No organ can impair the functioning of the Constitution.”

While acknowledging the potential for abuse, Chief Justice Gavai also cautioned against the judiciary imposing a uniform timeline for all cases, suggesting it could be seen as overreach. He noted that different bills may require different considerations and timelines.

The hearing is ongoing, and the Court’s ultimate decision will have significant implications for the balance of power between state legislatures and Governors in India.

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