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In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court of India has set a three-month deadline for the President to decide on bills referred to them by state Governors. The decision aims to streamline the legislative process and ensure timely resolution of important state legislation that has already been passed by the respective state assemblies.
This decision comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding the delay in the assent process, where bills passed by state legislatures have often been held up in limbo after being referred to the President by Governors. The Supreme Court’s judgment underscores the importance of efficiency in the governance process and aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays that hinder the functioning of state governments.
The case that led to the Supreme Court’s decision highlighted several instances where bills, approved by state legislative bodies, faced undue delays in receiving the President’s assent. While the Indian Constitution allows Governors to withhold assent to a bill or refer it to the President for further review, the delay in this process has led to legal challenges and calls for reform.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of these delays and the negative consequences they had on the legislative and administrative functioning of the states. The Court held that the President must act on such bills within a reasonable time frame to avoid constitutional stagnation and ensure the smooth operation of government.
The Supreme Court’s directive is clear: any bill referred by the Governor to the President must be decided within three months. The ruling aims to bring clarity and structure to the decision-making process, ensuring that bills are either assented to or returned for reconsideration within the prescribed period.
If the President does not act within three months, the bill will be deemed to have received the President’s assent, thus automatically coming into effect. This provision ensures that the legislative process is not unduly delayed and that the democratic rights of state legislatures are respected.
The ruling has profound implications for India’s federal structure. It strengthens the legislative process by preventing unnecessary delays, ensuring that elected representatives can fulfill their mandates without being obstructed by protracted procedural delays. It also helps maintain the balance of power between the central government and state governments, reinforcing the federal principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Additionally, this decision reflects the Court’s commitment to ensuring the timely delivery of governance and the effective functioning of the constitutional machinery. With this deadline in place, the office of the President, which plays a crucial role in the assent process, will now be bound to make a decision within the specified time frame.
The Supreme Court’s ruling marks an important step in ensuring that India’s legislative machinery operates smoothly and efficiently. By imposing a three-month deadline for the President’s decision on bills referred by Governors, the Court has addressed a long-standing issue of delays that have hampered governance at the state level. This judgment not only strengthens the constitutional framework but also enhances the accountability and responsiveness of the executive, ensuring that important legislative matters are handled promptly.
