New Delhi: In a key constitutional face-off, the Supreme Court will today hear petitions filed by the Kerala government challenging prolonged delays by the Governor and the President in approving state assembly bills. The matter will be taken up by a bench led by Justice P. S. Narasimha.
The petitions, jointly submitted by the Kerala government and MLA T. P. Ramakrishnan, argue that withholding assent to four bills passed by the state legislature is a violation of constitutional principles. The Supreme Court had earlier issued notices to the Governor’s secretary and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in response to the plea.
Kerala has demanded a detailed review of the reasons provided by the Governor and the President for blocking the bills. The state is also likely to cite a landmark ruling in a similar case filed by Tamil Nadu, where the top court laid down a clear time frame for Governors to act on bills.
In a new twist, the Centre is reportedly gearing up to counter that ruling. Sources say the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to file a review petition, challenging the Supreme Court’s move to fix a deadline for constitutional authorities to act on legislative matters.
The outcome of the hearing could set a precedent in Centre-state relations and redefine the powers of constitutional authorities in dealing with state legislation.
