A reshaping of federalism

SC's timeline for assent to state bills gives new contours to federalism, but raises key questions

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The Supreme Court's decision to impose timelines on the conduct of not just governors but also the presidential office, when it comes to giving assent for a bill passed by a state legislature, is unprecedented and a milestone in the journey of Indian federalism.

In this verdict, which came against the backdrop of a number of governors sitting indefinitely on bills passed by states not controlled by the BJP, three things are of note.

One, the court viewed the so-called pocket veto of governors, who were either sitting indefinitely on bills or referring it to the President even in cases where the legislature had re-passed a bill and sent it back to the Raj Bhavan, as a breakdown of constitutional order.