CJI Flags Governors Delaying Bills as Centre Dismisses Dispute Claims

Quick Summary

• Chief justice of India B.R. Gavai addressed the issue of Governors delaying assent to State Bills for years during a Presidential Reference hearing on September 10, 2025.
• The case follows an April 8 judgment prescribing a three-month timeline for Presidents and Governors to decide on Bills. Tamil Nadu had earlier complained about its Governor sitting on 10 Bills since 2020.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that collaboration between States and Governors was essential, asserting Governors should not merely endorse State Cabinet decisions mechanically.
• Opposition arguments pointed to an increase in delays under NDA rule since 2014; however, Justice Vikram Nath clarified the Bench’s focus was purely legal and not political.
• Key concerns raised by Justices included indefinite gubernatorial withholding of Bills undermining Articles in the Constitution and the need for consultative processes if rejection occurs.
• Lawyers representing various states argued against unchecked gubernatorial powers, with Telangana emphasizing judicial review in cases where discrimination might arise across States.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The hearing exemplifies ongoing complexities surrounding constitutional mechanisms governing relationships between States and appointed executives like Governors. Indefinite delays in Bill approvals pose critical challenges to federal harmony, with potential impacts on governance efficiency at the State level. By fixing timelines through judicial intervention, there appears a concerted effort toward safeguarding democratic principles while ensuring accountability within India’s institutional framework.

If clear collaboration is institutionalized-as suggested during arguments-it could reduce political mistrust while enabling smoother functioning of legislative processes across diverse administrations. Judicial oversight also emerges as vital when systemic checks seem imbalanced or discriminatory as consistent procedural fairness builds trust within India’s multilevel governance model.

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