On April 8, a two-member Bench of the Supreme Court held that Governors cannot inordinately delay acting on Bills that were sent for assent from Legislative Assemblies, and fixed time limits for Governors to follow in carrying out this constitutional responsibility. The Judgment, delivered on April 8, 2025, observed:
“438. Before we part with the matter, we find it apposite to observe that constitutional authorities occupying high offices must be guided by the values of the Constitution. These values that are so cherished by the people of India are a result of years of struggle and sacrifice of our forefathers. When called upon to take decisions, such authorities must not give in to ephemeral political considerations but rather be guided by the spirit that underlies the Constitution. They must look within and reflect whether their actions are informed by their constitutional oath and if the course of action adopted by them furthers the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. If the authorities attempt to deliberately bypass the constitutional mandate, they are tinkering with the very ideals revered by its people upon which this country has been built.”
The full text of the Judgment can be accessed at the following URL:
Supreme Court of India - Judgment
The State of Tamil Nadu v. The Governor of Tamil Nadu and Anr. [1.66 MB]
Source URL: https://www.sci.gov.in/view-pdf/?diary_no=453142023&type=j&order_date=2025-04-08&from=latest_judgements_order
Source: The Supreme Court of India, Government of India