Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi.
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 8, 2025) prescribed time limits for Governors to act on Bills.
TN Government vs Governor LIVE
This decision came after the top court came down heavily on Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and said reservation of 10 Bills by him for consideration of the President was “erroneous in law”. A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan said that under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor does not possess any discretion and has to mandatorily act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers.
Article 200 of the Constitution deals with assent to Bills.
Timelines prescribed for Governors when Bills are presented to them:
- In case of withholding assent, one month
- In case of withholding assent contrary to advise of the State Cabinet, three months
- In case of Bills presented for reconsideration by Governors, one month
The Bench said the Governor cannot withhold assent and adopt concept of absolute veto or pocket veto. It said the Governor is obligated to adopt one course of action — give assent to Bills, withhold assent and reserve for consideration of the president.
The Bench said the Governor must assent to the Bills produced before him in the second round, and the only exception is in case the Bill in the second round is different from the first one.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – April 08, 2025 12:39 pm IST