Verdict tomorrow: SC to clarify timelines for Governors and President in approving state bills

New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Thursday concerning a Presidential Reference about whether timelines can be prescribed for Governors and the President to approve bills passed by state legislatures. A five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai, will pronounce the decision.

The dispute arose from a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging Governor RN Ravi’s decision to refer the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to the President instead of granting assent directly. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued that a Governor cannot refer a bill to the President after receiving the “aid and advice” of the Council of Ministers.

In May, President Droupadi Murmu had invoked her authority under Article 143(1) to ask the Supreme Court whether judges could set time limits for the President when acting on bills passed by state assemblies. The central government, in its response, cautioned that imposing fixed deadlines could grant one branch of government powers not intended by the Constitution, potentially creating “constitutional disorder.”

Earlier, on 8 April, the Supreme Court had observed that the President should decide on any bill sent by a Governor within three months. President Murmu had posed 14 questions seeking clarity on the powers of Governors and the President under Articles 200 and 201 when considering state bills.

The SC’s verdict, expected before 21 November, will resolve questions of legislative procedure and clarify the limits of gubernatorial and presidential authority in the approval of state legislation.