New Delhi: The Supreme Court has begun deliberations on a Presidential Reference challenging its April 2025 ruling that set strict deadlines for Governors and the President to act on state legislation. A five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai is examining whether such timelines—one month for Governors to clear re-enacted bills and three months for the President on reserved bills—are constitutionally valid.
President Droupadi Murmu referred 14 constitutional questions, pointing out that Articles 200 and 201 only require action “as soon as possible,” without specifying deadlines. The Centre, through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, warned that judicially fixed timelines could create “constitutional chaos” and breach the separation of powers. The Bench also questioned whether uniform timelines were practical, especially during emergencies.
Signaling caution, the Court recently observed that occasional delays by Governors may not justify rigid universal rules. Hearings on the matter will continue from August 19 to September 20, 2025, with a nine-day schedule to address both constitutional principles and maintainability challenges.
