CLOSING ARGUMENT: ON THE PRESIDENTIAL REFERENCE TO THE TOP COURT

The Union government has missed an opportunity to put a lid on the prolonged controversy over the arbitrary and the undemocratic use of power by unelected Governors.

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A Supreme Court judgment on April 8, 2025 clarified the constitutional position over the powers of the Governor and the President in giving assent to Bills passed by State Assemblies.

A Division Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan held that Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi's act of withholding 10 State Bills was "illegal" and "erroneous". The well-reasoned judgment had outlined the possible courses of action for the Governor and the President once a Bill is before them for their assent, though the Constitution does not specify timelines.