President Wants Court's Opinion On Whether States Can File Article 32 Petitions Against Union

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the President has sought clarity on whether State governments can invoke Article 32 to challenge the Union.

A Constitution Bench had earlier suggested deferring the issue, but Mehta said recurring disputes made an authoritative ruling necessary.

He argued that States have no fundamental rights and cannot use Articles 32 or 226, with such disputes falling under Article 131. He further submitted that writs cannot be issued against Governors.

The Bench also questioned the Governor’s role as Union representative, with States set to advance their arguments next.