Supreme Court sets deadline for President, advises seeking court’s opinion before deciding on State Bills

Supreme Court Directs President to Act on Pending State Bills, Suggests Judicial Consultation

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court today established a clear deadline for the President to decide on pending State Bills and recommended seeking the court’s guidance in case of constitutional uncertainties. The ruling addresses growing concerns over prolonged delays in granting assent to legislation passed by State Assemblies, which has often led to administrative gridlock and political friction.  

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) stressed that the President and Governors must adhere to a "reasonable time frame" when reviewing Bills sent for approval, noting that indefinite delays disrupt governance and democratic functioning. The court clarified that if constitutional ambiguities arise, the President may refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 143 for an advisory opinion before making a final decision.  

Legal experts have praised the judgment as a necessary step toward ensuring smoother governance. Senior advocate stated, "This ruling reinforces the principle that elected legislatures should not be held hostage by procedural delays. It balances constitutional duties with practical governance needs." The decision comes after several State governments, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Punjab, raised concerns over Bills being stalled for extended periods without explanation.  

The Supreme Court’s intervention is expected to bring greater clarity and efficiency to the process of Bill approvals, preventing unnecessary standoffs between States and the central government. While the President’s office has not yet issued an official response, constitutional analysts believe the verdict will set a precedent for future cases involving legislative delays.