In a crucial clarification, the Supreme Court today held that the President and Governors of states cannot be bound by timelines when it comes to approving Bills. A five-judge Constitution bench stressed that the actions of the President or Governors are not “justiciable” and judicial review can be invoked only when a Bill becomes a law.
This comes in response to President Droupadi Murmu’s questions to the top court following a two-judge bench’s verdict in the Tamil Nadu Governor case that effectively set a deadline for the President and Governors to clear Bills passed by the legislature.
Seeking the court’s opinion under Article 143 of the Constitution, the President had asked, “In the absence of a constitutionally prescribed time limit, and the manner of exercise of powers by the Governor, can timelines be imposed and the manner of exercise be prescribed through judicial orders for the exercise of all powers under Article 200 of the Constitution of India by the Governor?”
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