In a politically charged turn of events, the Kerala government’s request to withdraw its petitions against the Governor’s delay in approving state legislation has been challenged by the Centre in the Supreme Court. Representing the state, Senior Advocate K.K. Venugopal informed the court on May 6, 2025, that the matter had become moot, as the contested bills were already forwarded to the President of India.
However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, opposed the withdrawal. He contended that the petitions raised serious constitutional questions about the role of Governors that warranted judicial scrutiny, regardless of the state’s decision to retract.
A Supreme Court bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi took note of Kerala’s position but decided to hold off on dismissal, scheduling a further hearing for May 13 to consider the Centre’s objections.
Kerala had filed the petitions in 2023 and 2024, alleging undue delays by then-Governor Arif Mohammed Khan in acting on eight key bills. The attempt to withdraw follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in a related case involving the Tamil Nadu Governor, which mandated that the President must decide on bills referred by Governors within three months.
The case continues to spotlight the growing friction between state governments and Governors, and may set vital precedents for India’s federal and legislative frameworks.
