Governors must act on Bills promptly

The Supreme Court has affirmed that Governors lack the authority to indefinitely stall a Bill without taking any action, stressing their obligation to communicate decisions promptly. The ruling stemmed from a plea by the Punjab government against Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who had withheld seven Bills sent for approval.

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The court, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, highlighted that Article 200 of the constitution empowers Governors to withhold assent but necessitates the communication of such decisions to the State Legislature promptly. The judgment emphasized the constitutional imperative of expedition, rejecting indefinite delays as inconsistent with constitutional principles.

It further warned against allowing Governors to virtually veto legislative functioning, citing potential conflict with democratic principles based on parliamentary governance.