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).
