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Supreme Court Rules Courts Cannot Set Timeline for President/Governor to Act on Assembly-Passed Bills.

National | Dated: 20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court delivered a crucial ruling regarding the constitutional powers of the President and Governor. The court stated that judicial bodies cannot fix a specific timeline for these constitutional functionaries to act upon bills passed by a State Assembly. This observation came during a hearing related to bills pending in multiple states where Governors were accused of undue delay. The judgment reinforces the principle of separation of powers and the constitutional discretion granted to the President (Article 111) and the Governor (Article 200) regarding assent or reservation of bills, while reminding them of their constitutional duty to act promptly.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • The ruling reinforces the principle of separation of powers.
  • The Governor's power regarding bills is derived from Article 200 of the Constitution.
  • The case related to Governors being accused of undue delay on bills.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • The issue frequently arises in states where the ruling party differs from the party at the Centre.
  • The SC emphasized that legislative intent should not be nullified by indefinite executive delay.
  • The verdict will impact the relationship between state assemblies and Raj Bhavans nationwide.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which Article of the Constitution deals with the Governor's power to assent or reserve bills?

Correct Answer: Article 200

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Constitutional Powers

  • (i) Article 111: Deals with the President's assent to bills. (ii) Article 200: Deals with the Governor's assent to bills.
  • (iii) Separation of Powers: The ruling reaffirms the independence of the executive branch's constitutional functions. (iv) SC View: While no timeline can be set, inaction is not permissible.