Wed Nov 19 15:48:21 UTC 2025: Headline: Supreme Court to Rule on Presidential Reference Challenging Timeline for State Bills
New Delhi – November 19, 2025: The Supreme Court is set to deliver its advisory opinion on Thursday, November 20th, regarding a Presidential Reference questioning the court’s authority to mandate timelines for Governors and the President’s handling of State Bills. The Reference arose from concerns that the Court’s imposition of a three-month deadline for assent or consideration of bills, as stated in an April 8th judgment, encroaches upon the constitutional powers of these high offices.
The Union Government, through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that a “one-size-fits-all” deadline is impractical, given the diverse contexts of State Bills. Attorney General R. Venkataramani added that Governors require discretion to assess the constitutionality of Bills before assent.
The Court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, had previously asserted that it cannot remain “idle” if constitutional authorities fail in their duties, highlighting the tension between Opposition-ruled States and their Governors regarding delays in clearing crucial legislation. The ruling on Thursday is expected to clarify the division of powers and potentially reshape the relationship between the Supreme Court, the President, and State Governors.
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