What is apex court’s power if Prez, guvs sit on bills, asks SC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised concerns over whether it is expected to remain powerless if the President of India or governors indefinitely withhold assent to bills passed by elected state legislatures for years.

- Utkarsh Anand

“Both houses of legislature have given approval...then why should the President or governor sit on it for an indefinite period of time? We appreciate that we cannot a fix timetable but if someone sits, will the court be powerless?” a Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai said, as it continued hearing the presidential reference on whether the courts can prescribe timelines for gubernatorial and presidential assent.

The bench, also comprising justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, PS. Narasimha and Atul S Chandurkar is examining President Droupadi Murmu's Article 143 reference made in May. The reference seeks clarity on the top court’s April 8 ruling which, for the first time, laid down timelines for governors and the President to decide on state bills pending before them. “Suppose a bill is passed in 2020... Will the court be powerless if there is no consent even in 2025?” the court asked on Tuesday.