Supreme Court's Guidelines on Timelines for Governors

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has established specific timelines for state governors concerning decisions on bills forwarded by state legislatures.

Key Rulings of the Supreme Court

• Governor's Role:
  • The governor is the constitutional head of the state, tasked with prioritizing the will and welfare of the state's people.
  • Governors should act in harmony with the state machinery and avoid obstructing the state legislature to gain political advantage.
• Timelines for Decision-Making:
  • If withholding assent or reserving bills for the President's consideration upon the council of ministers' advice, the governor must decide within one month.
  • In cases of withholding assent against the council of ministers' advice, the governor should return the bill within three months.
  • For reservation of bills for the President's consideration, against the council of ministers' advice, the reservation must occur within three months.
  • Upon reconsideration, the governor must grant assent within one month.

Constitutional Obligations and Conduct

• Constitutional Values:
  • Governors must adhere to the principles of parliamentary democracy, respecting decisions made by the legislature and the elected government.
  • The governor's role is to be a guide, resolving conflicts with wisdom and promoting consensus.
• Governor's Oath:
  • The governor takes an oath to faithfully execute functions to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the rule of law, serving the state's people.

Constitutional Articles and Exceptions

• Article 200: The governor must generally follow the council of ministers' advice, with exceptions noted in Article 200's second proviso and Article 163(1).