Prez reference: Guv expected to act on bills within reasonable time, says SC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday underscored that governors are constitutionally bound to act within a "reasonable time" when dealing with bills passed by state legislatures, even in the absence of the phrase "as soon as possible" in Article 200 of the Constitution.

- MPOST BUREAU

A five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai, with Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, continued hearings on the presidential reference concerning whether governors and the President can indefinitely delay action on bills presented to them. The bench reiterated that its role was limited to interpreting constitutional provisions rather than scrutinising individual disputes.

Article 200 outlines the Governor's powers in relation to state legislation, granting three options-assent to a bill, return it to the legislature for reconsideration (if not a money bill), or reserve it for the President's consideration. The provision also states that if the assembly returns the bill after reconsideration, the Governor is bound to grant assent.