Supreme Court Prescribes Timeframes for Governors' Actions on State Bills

The Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that Governors cannot exercise an “absolute” or “pocket veto” by indefinitely delaying action on bills under Article 200 of the Constitution.

In a case involving the Tamil Nadu Governor, who delayed action on 10 re-enacted bills, the Court declared such conduct illegal.

The Court established specific timelines: one month to grant assent or reserve the bill for the President's consideration upon the advice of the Council of Ministers; three months to return a bill for reconsideration if acting contrary to such advice; and one month to assent to a bill after it is re-enacted by the state legislature.

Governors must act based on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, with discretionary powers being limited and subject to judicial review.